STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

KA ʻOIHANA MĀLAMA LAWELAWE KANAKA

JOSEPH CAMPOS II

DIRECTOR

KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

TRISTA SPEER

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

KA HOPE LUNA HOʻOKELE

LORI-LEI APONTE

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

KA HOPE LUNA HOʻOKELE

DHS' HO'OPONO SERVICES FOR THE BLIND ANNOUNCES THE 34TH ANNUAL WHITE CANE WALK

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 14, 2026

HONOLULU - The Hawai'i Department of Human Services' (DHS), Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Ho'opono Services for the Blind, will host its 34th Annual White Cane Walk on Friday, October 16, 2026, in downtown Honolulu. The annual event promotes public awareness of the white cane and its vital role in supporting the independence and mobility of blind and low-vision individuals.

"White Cane Day" is nationally recognized each year following a 1964 joint resolution of the U.S. Congress establishing October 15 as White Cane Safety Day. This observance highlights the achievements of blind and visually impaired Americans and underscores the importance of the white cane as a symbol of independence. In 2011, the observance was also named "Blind Americans Equality Day."

Ho'opono Services for the Blind provides statewide access to programs including Vocational Rehabilitation, Older Individuals Who Are Blind Program, New Visions Program, Business Enterprise Program and the Low Vision Clinic - serving more than 500 blind and low-vision Hawai'i residents in the last fiscal year.

This year's White Cane Walk will begin with a Pre-Walk Program at 9:45 a.m. at the Hawai'i State Capitol Rotunda, followed by the walk at 10:00 a.m., culminating at ʻIolani Palace at 12:00 p.m. Participants are invited to stay for snacks and refreshments following the walk.

In an official proclamation, Governor Josh Green and Acting Lieutenant Governor Keith Regan formally designated October 16, 2026, as "White Cane Day" in Hawai'i, urging the public to support Ho'opono Services for the Blind and its mission to raise awareness of the white cane and its significance.

Ho'opono expresses its sincere appreciation for the community's continued support and invites residents, partners and advocates to join in this year's walk to promote safe, inclusive mobility for blind and visually impaired pedestrians.

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