Thanks to generous grants from the Legal Services Corporation and the Hawaii Women Legal Foundation, this project will enhance community access and coordination of social and legal services throughout the island of Oahu through the use of videoconferencing and web-based technology.  The project has also worked to form similar community partnerships on the island of Maui, in the town of Hana, to improve access to services for individuals living in that isolated area.  Videoconferencing will give individuals in Leeward, Central, and Windward Oahu and in the town of Hana, the opportunity to more easily obtain legal and other social services.

This project creates a centralized intake system between the six participating agencies, that will provide an in-depth analysis of an individual’s needs and give priority referrals to comprehensive services.  The purpose of this project is to address an individual’s primary needs while also addressing secondary issues that may be hindering that individual’s progress. 

For example, a single mother in Leeward Oahu struggling with a domestic violence situation, may contact Legal Aid for help in getting a temporary restraining order, but may also need help with finding affordable child care for her children, counseling for a child with special needs, and financial assistance for new housing.  Through “Ku’ikahi Enehana,” this woman can meet with a central intake worker who will assess her needs and refer her to HCAP for child care, to LDAH for assistance for her special needs child, and to The Salvation Army for first month’s rent for a new apartment.  The use of videoconferencing technology would also allow this woman access to services provided in downtown Honolulu, regardless of whether or not she has access to transportation.

Enhanced opportunities for cross-training between participating agencies is another advantage of the video conference technology. For example, intake workers in each of the participating organizations can learn about services provided by each agency through the use of videoconferencing workshops.  In addition, intake workers from each agency can meet on a regular basis to discuss the needs of shared clients, and work more closely together to address the client’s various needs.                                                  

Legal Aid’s technology efforts also include the creation of a new website, www.legalaidhawaii.org.  The website allows for instant online access to easy-to-read legal brochures, self-help videos, links to other helpful online resources, and a comprehensive database of local social service agencies.  In order to increase access to its online resources, Legal Aid has also partnered with the Hawai’i State Library System, State Department of Education, and U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development to provide training to staff at public computer centers throughout the state.

Video conferencing equipment was installed at all partner agency sites in late January 2003, and the central intake system for the project was implemented in early February. The press conference on March 10, 2003 will announce the grand unveiling of “Ku’ikahi Enehana” and Legal Aid’s new website. In addition to an appearance by the Lieutenant Governor, the press conference will also include a blessing by Pastor Elwin Ahu of New Hope Church, and an interactive video demonstration featuring representatives from all six participating social service partners.          

For more information about “Ku’ikahi Enehana” or the upcoming press conference, please contact Scott Morishige at (808) 527-8069, or by e-mail at scmoris@lashaw.org.

Contact:     Scott Morishige
Phone:       (808) 527-8069
E-mail:       scmoris@lashaw.org