Lillian koller dss hawaii islands
Lillian koller dss hawaii islands
Lillian koller dss hawaii islands big island...
Koller: DHS cuts would hurt state's neediest
By Mary Vorsino
Advertiser Urban Honolulu Writer
Further budget cuts to the state Department of Human Services could result in layoffs or significant cuts to programs and "sacrifice the safety net" for the neediest, DHS director Lillian Koller told lawmakers yesterday at a hearing on how nonprofits and DHS are faring in the economic crisis.
Service providers also asked lawmakers to consider the consequences of funding cuts, saying they are struggling to keep up with increased needs from families for everything from food to emergency financial assistance.
"This is not a time to cut critical health and human services, but rather an opportunity to invest in the people of Hawai'i," said Debbie Shimizu, executive director of the National Association of Social Workers-Hawai'i chapter.
Cuts to programs that help the poor today, she added, "will be multiplied in the future."
The state House Committee on Hu