The problem:
Ending subminimum wage under Section 14(c) and students with I/DD and their families had a fear of losing benefits if they were employed. There were 114 people with I/DD engaged in subminimum wage work.
Action:
The Council led statewide advocacy to end subminimum wage. We conducted policy analysis and helped with legislative language, mobilized self-advocates and families to share their experiences, and educated legislators. This resulted in the successful passage of legislation ending 14(c) waivers in Hawai’i.
Results:
State agencies and providers have shifted their focus to competitive, integrated employment (CIE). Hawai’i’s transition system now integrates financial literacy and work incentives education as part of preparing youth for employment. The repeal of 14 (c) and the youth benefits planning initiative complement each other by addressing both structural barriers and individual barriers to work. Schools and teachers gained new tools and resources to support transition planning. Students have more confidence.
Repealing 14(c) was the first step. To make competitive employment a real option, people needed tools to earn and save money safely. The Council led two additional major policy efforts: Kal’s Law (earned income disregard) and the Hawaiʻi ABLE Savings Program, ensuring individuals could work, build assets, and remain stable. 25,000 people were impacted by Kal’s Law. Hawai’i ABLE has tripled enrollment since August of 2023. There are now 320 people enrolled.
Once the laws passed, the community needed practical guidance to use them. Our trusted relationship with the I/DD community allowed us to fill this gap. Benefits Planning education continues.
The Council led this work because system change does not end with legislation; it must be followed by education and implementation. And as the state’s designated systems-change entity for I/DD, the Council was the only organization positioned and obligated to ensure these reforms translated into real opportunities for people with I/DD.