Adult Protective Services in Hawaii

Hawaii Adult Protective Services (APS), administered by the Adult Protective and Community Services Branch of the Department of Human Services, investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults across the Hawaiian Islands. Under HRS Chapter 346, Part X, any person 18 or older who is unable — due to mental, developmental, or physical impairment — to make responsible decisions, carry out essential daily activities, or protect themselves from abuse may qualify for APS protection. You can report suspected abuse by calling (808) 832-5115, by email at SSDOahuAPCS@dhs.hawaii.gov, or by fax at (808) 832-5391 during business hours.

How to Report Elder Abuse in Hawaii

Hawaii law requires certain professionals to report suspected abuse of vulnerable adults under HRS § 346-224(a). Any member of the public may also file a report. Reporter identity is kept confidential under HRS § 346-225, and reporters acting in good faith are immune from liability under HRS Chapter 346, Part X.

Report by Phone

Call Hawaii APS at (808) 832-5115, available Monday through Friday, 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding state holidays. Reports received after hours by phone, fax, or email will be addressed on the next working day. An intake worker will collect information about the vulnerable adult, the suspected mistreatment, and the alleged abuser. You do not need proof to make a report — reasonable suspicion is sufficient. Reports can also be faxed to (808) 832-5391 or emailed to SSDOahuAPCS@dhs.hawaii.gov.

Report Online

Hawaii's APS program also accepts reports through its website. This is suitable for non-emergency situations; for urgent matters or emergencies, contact APS by phone or call 911.

Emergency Situations

Call 911 if a vulnerable adult is in immediate physical danger. APS does not provide emergency first-response services. After emergency personnel have addressed the immediate threat, file a report with APS so that caseworkers can initiate an investigation and connect the person with ongoing protective services.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

Having the following details ready will help APS staff process your report efficiently. You are not required to have all of this information:

• Full name, age, and address of the vulnerable adult
• Description of the suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation and when it occurred
• Name and relationship of the alleged abuser, if known
• Information about the adult's physical or mental health conditions
• Names and contact information of witnesses or others with knowledge
• Specific safety concerns such as lack of food, medication, supervision, or basic care
• Your own contact information (optional — anonymous reports are accepted)

Types of Elder Abuse APS Investigates in Hawaii

Hawaii APS investigates the following types of mistreatment under HRS Chapter 346, Part X:

• Physical abuse: Intentional infliction of injury, pain, or physical harm
• Psychological abuse: Verbal threats, humiliation, intimidation, or emotional manipulation
• Sexual abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact or behavior
• Caregiver neglect: Failure by a caregiver to provide food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision
• Financial exploitation: Unauthorized use, misappropriation, or theft of an adult's money or assets
• Self-neglect: An adult's inability — due to impairment — to meet their own basic needs, posing a risk to their health or safety

Hawaii APS coordinates with local law enforcement and the Hawaii Attorney General's Office when reports involve potential criminal conduct.

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

The following warning signs may indicate that a vulnerable adult in Hawaii is experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Report what you observe — reasonable suspicion is sufficient.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or fractures — particularly those inconsistent with the explanation given
• Bedsores or pressure ulcers suggesting inadequate care and repositioning
• Sudden weight loss, dehydration, or visible malnutrition
• Poor hygiene or an unsanitary living environment

Behavioral Signs

• Sudden withdrawal, fearfulness, or unusual anxiety around a caregiver or family member
• Unexplained changes in mood, behavior, or communication patterns
• A caregiver who insists on being present for all conversations or speaks on behalf of the adult

Financial Signs

• Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts or new authorized signatories
• Recent changes to wills, trusts, or powers of attorney the adult cannot explain
• Unpaid bills or disconnected utilities despite having adequate income or savings
• Missing personal property, valuables, or cash

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in Hawaii

Under HRS § 346-224(a), Hawaii's mandatory reporters include licensed and registered healing arts professionals (physicians, psychologists, dentists, and nurses), social, medical, hospital, and mental health service employees and officers, law enforcement employees and officers, adult residential care home and day care center staff, medical examiners/coroners, licensed social workers, and employees in social worker positions. These professionals are legally required to report suspected abuse of vulnerable adults.

Any other person who suspects abuse may also file a report. Reporter identity is kept confidential under HRS § 346-225. Reporters acting in good faith are immune from liability under HRS Chapter 346, Part X. Mandatory reporters who fail to report are guilty of a petty misdemeanor under HRS § 346-224(e).

What Happens After You Report to APS in Hawaii

After a report is received, Hawaii APS follows a structured process to assess the situation and provide appropriate intervention.

Step 1 — Intake Screening

APS intake staff determine whether the subject qualifies as a vulnerable adult under HRS § 346-222 and whether the reported conduct falls within APS jurisdiction. Reports meeting criteria are accepted and assigned a priority based on the urgency and severity of the situation.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

Hawaii APS is required to complete a disposition within 60 calendar days of receiving a report. Emergency situations involving immediate risk to life are given the highest priority and are addressed as quickly as possible in coordination with law enforcement. If immediate danger is present, always call 911 first.

Step 3 — Investigation

An APS caseworker visits the vulnerable adult in person, typically at their home, and conducts a private interview when possible. The caseworker also interviews family members, caregivers, and witnesses, and reviews the living environment. Coordination with law enforcement occurs when criminal conduct is suspected.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

If the investigation confirms abuse, neglect, or exploitation, APS works with the adult to develop a plan addressing their safety and needs. Services available in Hawaii may include emergency shelter and placement assistance, medical referrals, mental health services, benefit enrollment, financial management resources, and legal advocacy. Adults with decision-making capacity have the right to refuse services. If capacity is in question and safety is at risk, APS may seek court-ordered protective intervention.

APS vs. Long-Term Care Ombudsman — Who Handles Nursing Home Abuse in Hawaii?

Hawaii APS investigates abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults in community settings — private homes and non-institutional environments. If your concern involves a resident of a licensed nursing home, assisted living facility, or other long-term care facility, contact the Hawaii Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

The Hawaii Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for the rights of residents in licensed long-term care facilities and investigates complaints about care quality and resident rights. Reach the Ombudsman at 808-586-0100. Regulatory complaints about a nursing facility's compliance should be directed to the Hawaii Department of Health.

For a comprehensive guide to nursing home complaints in Hawaii, see the Hawaii Nursing Home Complaint Guide.

Additional Resources in Hawaii

• Hawaii APS Phone: (808) 832-5115 (Mon–Fri 7:45 AM–4:30 PM)
• Hawaii APS Email: SSDOahuAPCS@dhs.hawaii.gov
• Hawaii APS Fax: (808) 832-5391
• Hawaii Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 808-586-0100
• Hawaii Executive Office on Aging: 808-586-0100
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
• Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116