Category: News Releases

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI 

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS

KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA

NADINE Y. ANDO

DIRECTOR

KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

PROFESSIONAL AND VOCATIONAL LICENSING DIVISION 

CINDY A. MATSUSHITA

LICENSING ADMINISTRATOR

DCCA EXPANDS PATHWAY FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AHEAD OF JULY 1 LAUNCH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2026

HONOLULU — The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) is preparing for the July 1 implementation of Act 93 (2024), which creates new provisional licenses for associate psychologists, associate marriage and family therapists, and associate mental health counselors. The law is intended to reduce barriers for emerging professionals, strengthen Hawaiʻi’s mental health workforce, and improve access to care statewide. Applications opened June 1, and DCCA has dedicated additional staff and resources to process applications as quickly as possible. Current supervisors are only required to complete supervision verification forms for applicants.

Licensure requirements differ by profession. Individuals are encouraged to review the category below that applies to them.

Marriage and Family Therapists

Under HRS §451J-5, licensure is required only for individuals who use, or represent themselves under, the title “marriage and family therapist,” “licensed marriage and family therapist,” “associate marriage and family therapist,” or “licensed associate marriage and family therapist.” The licensure requirement is tied to use of these titles, not to the underlying work performed.

Licensure is not required for (HRS §451J-6):

• Individuals whose work overlaps with the practice of marriage and family therapy, provided they do not use the protected titles listed above.
• Students completing a supervised practicum as part of an accredited graduate program, provided they are identified by an appropriate trainee title.
• Members of other licensed professions (such as social work, psychology, nursing, or medicine) providing services consistent with their own profession’s standards, provided they do not use the protected MFT titles.

Mental Health Counselors

Under HRS §453D-5, licensure is required for any individual who either uses a protected title — “licensed mental health counselor,” “mental health counselor,” “licensed associate mental health counselor,” or “associate mental health counselor” — or who engages in the practice of mental health counseling.

Licensure is not required for (HRS §453D-6):

• Individuals whose work overlaps with the practice of mental health counseling, provided they do not use, or imply that they hold, a protected title or describe their services as “mental health counseling.”
• Members of the clergy acting within their religious role, provided they do not use a protected title or describe their services as mental health counseling.
• Students completing a supervised practicum as part of an accredited program, identified by an appropriate trainee title.
• Government employees (federal, state, or county) acting in a counseling capacity within their government role.
• Individuals obtaining supervised clinical experience toward licensure as a psychologist, social worker, marriage and family therapist, or other licensed profession, provided their title indicates trainee or intern status.

Psychologists

Under HRS §465-2, licensure is required for any individual who represents themselves as a “psychologist” or “associate psychologist,” or who engages in the practice of psychology.

Licensure is not required for (under HRS §465-3) the following persons (as are pertinent)

• College or university faculty teaching, lecturing, or conducting research in psychology, within the scope of their academic employment.
• Persons working under the direction of a licensed psychologist who perform professional services defined as the practice of psychology, provided they do not call themselves a psychologist or associate psychologist or imply they are licensed to practice psychology.
• Government employees in school psychologist, psychological examiner, or non-diagnostic/non-treatment positions, while acting within that government role.
• Students enrolled in a psychology training program, provided they do not represent themselves as a psychologist or associate psychologist.
• Members of other licensed professions, mental health professions not requiring licensure, or the clergy, providing services within their own scope of practice or role, provided they do not represent themselves as a psychologist or associate psychologist.
• Certain U.S. Department of Defense psychologists providing telehealth services to neighbor island beneficiaries under specified conditions.

Individuals uncertain whether their role, title, or services require licensure are encouraged to contact PVL directly for guidance.

Application materials and program-specific information are available on the respective board and program pages at https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl. For general inquiries, contact the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division at 1-844-808-3222 ext. 1.

Supervision Verification

Regarding post-master’s and post-doctoral supervision verification, only the applicant’s current supervisor is required to complete the supervision verification form. Applicants may voluntarily provide a list of former supervisors but are not required to do so.

Under the law, associate-level practitioners must practice under the clinical supervision of a licensed professional in good standing with the Department:

• Associate marriage and family therapists practice under a licensed marriage and family therapist or other licensed mental health professional in good standing (HRS §451J-7.2).
• Associate mental health counselors practice under a licensed clinical supervisor in good standing (HRS §453D-7.5).
• Associate psychologists practice under the direct supervision of a supervising psychologist who holds a current, active, and unencumbered license, and who must notify the licensing board within ten days of the termination or completion of supervision (HRS §465-7.2).

Applicants are encouraged to check the website regularly for updates, application materials and a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document.

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Media Contact:
William Nhieu
Communications Officer
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, State of Hawai‘i
Phone: 808-586-7582
Email: [email protected]

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI 

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS

KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA

NADINE Y. ANDO

DIRECTOR

KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

OFFICE OF CONSUMER PROTECTION

MANA MORIARTY

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

HAWAIʻI OFFICE OF CONSUMER PROTECTION OPPOSES FEDERAL SECURE DATA ACT LEGISLATION

Federal Legislation Would Weaken and Preempt Strong State Privacy Protections

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2026

HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Office of Consumer Protection (OCP)  joined a coalition of 15 attorneys general and state agencies in opposing the Securing and Establishing Consumer Uniform Rights and Enforcement over Data Act (SECURE Data Act), a proposed federal data privacy bill.

The SECURE Act would impose a federal ceiling on privacy protections, limiting the Hawaiʻi Legislature’s ability to address new technologies that impact consumer privacy and to enact stronger laws to protect Hawaiʻi consumers as privacy risks evolve.

In its letter, the coalition calls on Congress to reject the SECURE Data Act and to respect additional privacy protections states already grant their residents or would provide in future state-level legislation.

“The SECURE Data Act would effectively freeze privacy protections at the federal level and prevent Hawaiʻi from adopting stronger safeguards in the future,” said Mana Moriarty, executive director of OCP. “States need the flexibility to respond to new technologies and emerging privacy risks to ensure consumers remain protected.”

Comprehensive state privacy laws have set minimum data privacy standards, including heightened protections for minors and sensitive consumer data, limits on how data may be used and retained, and the ability for consumers to stop the sale of their data via a universal opt-out preference signal. The SECURE Data Act would wipe out these meaningful protections, making it harder for consumers to exercise their rights, give businesses more discretion on how to use and retain their data, and significantly limit enforcement remedies.

In the letter, the coalition argues that the bill moves privacy rights in the wrong direction, leaving consumers worse off and with fewer protections. Any federal privacy framework must leave room for states to legislate responsively to changes in technology and data collection practices, as states are better equipped to address the unique needs of their residents and quickly adjust to the challenges presented by technological innovation.

In sending the letter, the Hawaiʻi Office of Consumer Protection joins the attorneys general of California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia and Washington, as well as the California Privacy Protection Agency.

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The Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is a division of the Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. OCP promotes fair and honest business practices by investigating alleged violations of consumer protection laws, by taking legal action to stop unfair or deceptive practices in the marketplace and by educating the consumer public and businesses regarding their respective rights and obligations.

Media Contact:
William Nhieu
Communications Officer
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, State of Hawaiʻi
Phone: 808-586-7582
Email: [email protected]

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI 

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS

KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA

NADINE Y. ANDO

DIRECTOR

KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

PROFESSIONAL AND VOCATIONAL LICENSING DIVISION 

CINDY A. MATSUSHITA

LICENSING ADMINISTRATOR

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR NEW MENTAL HEALTH PROVISIONAL LICENSES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2026

HONOLULU — Individuals seeking provisional licensure as associate psychologists, marriage and family therapists, or mental health counselors, may begin submitting applications, to be accepted by the Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional and Vocational Licensing Division. The new provisional licenses take effect July 1, 2026.

Established under Act 93, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2024, the provisional licenses allow qualified associate-level practitioners to practice under required clinical supervision and seek insurance reimbursement while working toward full licensure. Prior to provisional licenses, associate-level practitioners faced significant barriers to reimbursement, limiting their ability to build sustainable practices and serve patients in need.

The new license categories are intended to expand access to mental health services across the state, while maintaining regulatory oversight and public protection.

Eligible practitioners include associate psychologists, associate marriage and family therapists and associate mental health counselors. Applicants must meet applicable educational and supervised experience requirements for their respective license category. Application materials and program-specific information are available on the respective board and program pages at https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl.

Applicants are encouraged to check the website regularly for updates, application materials and a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document. DCCA’s early release of application information reflects the department’s continued commitment to supporting licensees and streamlining licensing operations.

For general inquiries, contact the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division at 1-844-808-3222 ext. 1.

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Media Contact:
William Nhieu
Communications Officer
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, State of Hawai‘i
Phone: 808-586-7582
Email: [email protected]

If you have NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM (NFIP) coverage, start a claim at FloodSmart.gov/recover/start-a-claim.

If you have flood insurance through a PRIVATE CARRIER, contact your insurance company or producer (agent) to start a claim.

General Steps to Filing a Homeowners, Condo, Renters Claim:

• Once it is safe, check for and document damage by taking clear photos / videos.
• Secure your property to prevent further damage and keep receipts for any materials used to do so.
• After reviewing your policy’s coverages and claims procedure, follow the claims procedure or contact your insurance company or producer (agent) to report your damage and FILE A CLAIM.
• Submit proof of loss forms or other claims forms if requested by your insurer.
• Set damaged items aside for later review / inspection by your adjuster.
• Don’t begin permanent repairs until damage is inspected by your adjuster or approved by your insurer.
• Work with your adjuster and a licensed contractor to estimate the cost of repairs.
• Receive settlement check and begin repairs. Be wary of scams. Do not sign your entire claims check over to a contractor.

If you have COMPREHENSIVE (OTHER THAN COLLISION) coverage on your motor vehicle insurance policy, contact your auto insurer.

Auto Insurance Claims (if vehicle is non-drivable)

• Contact your auto insurance company or producer (agent) to FILE A CLAIM. Be prepared to provide information on the condition of your vehicle and where it is located.
• If it is determined that your vehicle is a total-loss:
  • Work with your adjuster to determine the condition the vehicle was in prior to the damage and what the mileage was (last safety check paperwork should have this and is a good ballpark).
  • Locate your auto title. If you do not have a copy or it was destroyed, apply for a duplicate copy from the County (Motor Vehicle & Licensing).
  • Research listings for vehicles like yours in your area so you can determine if the offer your insurance company provides is in line with your vehicle’s value.
  • If you agree with the offer, work with your adjuster to finalize your claim and sign paperwork and your title over to them.
    • If you have a loan, your insurer will get a payoff amount from your lender and pay you the balance of the vehicle’s value after your lien is paid off.
      • To expedite your balance payment, see if your insurer will create / accept a limited power of attorney to use to sign off on your portion of the title once the lienholder sends it to them.
  • If you do not agree with the offer, provide your research and work with your adjuster to negotiate the value of your vehicle.
    • Your policy has an appraisal clause you can invoke if you reach in impasse.

Auto Insurance Claims (if vehicle is drivable)

• Ensure your and others’ safety by confirming your vehicle is safe to drive.
• Contact your auto insurance company or producer (agent) to FILE A CLAIM. Work with them to estimate the damage or value of your vehicle.
• Once you and your insurer have determined the initial cost of repairs, work with a shop to have your vehicle repaired.
  • If additional damage is discovered during the course of the repairs, your insurer will work with you and the shop on a supplement to the original estimate and issue additional payments as need.
    • If you have a car loan on the damaged vehicle and the repair costs are extensive, your lienholder may be listed on the payment.

For a printable PDF of this information, please click here.
For more storm claims information, please click here.

STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA

NADINE Y. ANDO
DIRECTOR KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

BUSINESS REGISTRATION DIVISION
TY Y. NOHARA
COMMISSIONER OF SECURITIES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2026

HONOLULU — The state of Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Business Registration Division and Insurance Division, and Hawaiʻi Credit Union League (HCUL), announces that the team from ‘Iolani School is the winner of the annual Hawaiʻi LifeSmarts State Competition, conducted today at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu.

The competition tests students on their knowledge of personal finance, health and safety, the environment, technology, as well as consumer rights and responsibilities. Following the preliminary online portion of the competition, top scoring teams from Kalani, ‘Iolani and Waipahu High Schools were invited to compete in today’s in-person competition, where they tested their skills through a “speed smarts” activity and game show-style buzzer rounds.

‘Iolani School will go on to represent Hawaiʻi at the National LifeSmarts Competition in Orlando, Florida, from April 15 – 18, 2026. Members of the team are: James Chen (team captain), Donovan Kwan, Dominic Nakama, Henry Li, and Inseo Kim. The team was coached by Kit U Wong.

“Congratulations to ‘Iolani School who will represent Hawaiʻi at the National Competition in Orlando,” said DCCA Deputy Director Dean Hazama. “Through the LifeSmarts program, students gain critical life skills that prepare them for adulthood and we are proud to have been a sponsor of this statewide program for more than 20 years. Mahalo to our staff, volunteers and community partners for their generous contributions toward another successful year of Hawaiʻi LifeSmarts.”

2026 Hawaiʻi State Competition Community Supporters include:
• Accenture
• Beachside Roofing
• Big Island Federal Credit Union
• Cisco
• Coastal Construction Company Inc.
• Farmers Hawaiʻi
• Hawaiʻi Community Federal Credit Union
• Hawaiʻi Credit Union League
• Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA)
• Hawaiʻi Information Service
• Hawaiʻi State Federal Credit Union
• HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union Foundation
• Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association (HMSA)
• Kualoa Ranch Hawaiʻi Inc.
• Pacxa
• Pacific Point
• Pearl Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union

Visit www.LifeSmartsHawaii.com for more information.

LINK: MEDIA

LifeSmarts is a national consumer education program that prepares students to enter the real world as smart consumers by teaching them the skills needed to succeed in today’s global marketplace. The program is run by the National Consumers League and sponsored locally by the DCCA Business Registration Division and Insurance Division, in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Credit Union League.

Media Contact:
William Nhieu
Communications Officer
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, State of Hawaiʻi
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 808-586-7582

STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA

NADINE Y. ANDO
DIRECTOR
KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

BUSINESS REGISTRATION DIVISION
TY Y. NOHARA
COMMISSIONER OF SECURITIES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HONOLULU — The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Business Registration Division and Insurance Division, and Hawaii Credit Union League (HCUL) announce the top scoring high school teams for the online portion of the annual Hawaiʻi LifeSmarts State Competition.

Teams from Iolani, Kalani, and Waipahu high schools have earned their spot to compete at the in-person State Competition, which will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center, Hawaiʻi Suites. The event will be open to the general public

Students will test their team skills through a “speed smarts” activity and gameshow style buzzer rounds at the in-person State Competition. The winner of the competition will represent Hawaiʻi at the National LifeSmarts Competition in Orlando, Florida from April 15 – 18, 2026.

“Congratulations to ʻIolani, Kalani and Waipahu high schools”, said Commissioner of Securities Ty Nohara. “Thank you to all the teams who competed in the online competition, and we look forward to seeing the top four teams at the state competition.” LifeSmarts is a consumer education program designed to teach students in grades 6-12 about personal finance, health and safety, the environment, technology, and consumer rights and responsibilities. The Hawaiʻi LifeSmarts program is locally sponsored by the DCCA’s Business Registration Division and Insurance Division, in partnership with HCUL, and is run by the National Consumers League.

For program information and/or sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Hawaiʻi LifeSmarts State Coordinator, Theresa Kong Kee, at (808) 587-7400 or [email protected]

Media Contact:
William Nhieu
Communications Officer
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, State of Hawaiʻi
Phone: 808-586-7582
Email: [email protected]