Contact

Robert Efford, CEO
1099 Waianuenue Avenue
Hilo, HI   96720
Phone: (808) 935-8535

Mission Statement

The mission of the Arc of Hilo is to improve the quality of life for people with developmental and other disabilities, who reside on Hawaiʻi through educational, vocational and skill training as well as employment and residential opportunities.

Kokua Program Goal

Help those with developmental disabilities receive needed services in the short-term, while simultaneously seeking funding for a long-term, stable support services plan.
Last year a 21 year old with a developmental disability graduated from high school in Hilo. His single, hard-working mother was not prepared for life after high school for her son. She tried to get him into programs where he was denied services due to being literally one point too high on an IQ test. The mother didn’t have an understanding of the appeals process, so her son went without services until she learned of our Kokua Program. He is now enrolled in our Adult Day Health and Employment Training programs. Meanwhile, Wesley Tanigawa, our Direct Services Advocate is assisting the family in reapplying for waiver services and will pursue funding even if denied again, through the appeals process.