Ho'opono Services for the Blind- HI GOV

05/02/2026

May 1 in Hawaii is a significant day to celebrate Lei Day. Today is also a day to remember for the blind community in Hawaii thanks in part to the hard work that James Gashel has put in on behalf of the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii along with the Hawaii State Department of Education's Exceptional Support Branch in finally getting HB1894, Hawaii Braille Literacy Act passed. Having the support of House Education Chair Woodson after getting so close last year to push this through the finish line.

We all know how important Braille is and individuals who are blind that are proficient users of Braille are more likely to be employed. This Act now requires the DOE to include Braille and provision of braille instructional materials under certain circumstances and provide Braille literary support services.

You can view the passing of this on the link below starting at 14 minute mark.

Room 229 Conference PM - 05-01-2026

03/03/2026

Blind Vendors Ohana, Inc. operates 10 vending facilities at the Daniel K Inouye International Airport. You might remember visiting one of their stores known as Pages and Pages. They sell various items, primarily bottled beverages and prepackaged snacks to the traveling public.

Check out this video that shows how they are providing employment opportunities to individuals with a disability.

At 22 years old, Mara Onichu has built a life defined by independence.Born in Chuuk and raised in Guam, Mara lost her sight at age three after being diagnose...

03/03/2026

Late Congratulations to our friend and colleague at the Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, Matthew Brown, Managing Librarian who was the recipient of the 2025 Hawaii State Public Library System’s Librarian of the Year. Matt has done a great job since starting at LBPD to make the blind and low vision library patrons feel welcomed at their home library.

Extraordinary dedication. Humble leadership. Tireless outreach. Exemplary service. Trusted and beloved librarian. These accolades only begin to describe Matthew Brown, recipient of the 2025 Hawaiʻi State Public Library System’s Librarian of the Year Award. He was honored on February 18, 2026, at ...

02/03/2026

Late post…Congratulations to our friends at the Library for the Blind and Print Disabled for celebrating the anniversary of Louis Braille’s Birthday last week Friday! Great event, great turnout and and most of all great people.

01/16/2026

Yes check out this cafeteria at the Federal building which works in partnership with our blind vendor Jessica!