Hawaii Human Services Director Stepping Down In May

The governor will name a replacement for Cathy Betts soon.

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The governor will name a replacement for Cathy Betts soon.

The director of the Hawaii Department of Human Services is leaving her post to become executive director of the Hawaii State Bar Association.

Cathy Betts, who will formally resign in May, has led DHS since 2020. She was the deputy director from 2017 to 2020.

Cathy Betts, head of DHS, is leaving her job to join the private sector. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023)

The broad mission of DHS is to support individuals, families and communities. Its programs include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Child Welfare Services, the State Rehabilitation Council, Adult Foster Care and Hoopono Services for the Blind.

Betts began working for the state 17 years ago in the Department of the Attorney General. The work included child abuse and neglect cases, according to a press release from the Green administration Thursday.

Betts also served as executive director of the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women.

“Cathy has been a fearless warrior for our community and her staff throughout the pandemic and the Maui wildfires as DHS took on the lead role in recovery for our residents,” said Gov. Josh Green.

The governor will announce Betts’ successor “in the coming days.”

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