Overview
In determining whether a student needs special services under Special Education and/or Section 504, the school may invite the parent to a meeting, consisting of teachers, and possibly the counselor and/or principal, to discuss the student’s needs. The team may review student records, grades, test scores, etc., to determine whether an evaluation is appropriate and to determine what type of assessment(s) is needed. The school will respond within 15 days if an evaluation will or will not be conducted. Parental consent will be required for an evaluation to be conducted.
If a parent doesn't agree with the results of an evaluation, they may choose to file a formal or informal complaint. The chart below illustrates what that process looks like. (Click to print.)

Special Education directory
Honolulu | Farrington-Kaiser-Kalani | 733-4940 | 733-4944 | Honolulu District Office 4967 Kilauea Avenue Honolulu, HI 96816
|
Kaimuki-McKinley-Roosevelt Special Schools | 733-4977 | 733-4992 |
Autism | 733-4977 |
733-4992 |
SBBH | 733-8298 |
733-4992 |
Central | Aiea-Moanalua-Radford | 622-6425 421-4263
| 421-4145 | Central District Office Annex 1136 California Avenue Wahiawa, HI 96786
|
Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua | 622-6432 | 622-6436 |
SBBH | 622-6439 | 622-6468 |
Autism | 622-6421 | 622-6430 |
Leeward | Campbell-Kapolei | 675-0335 | 675-0350 | Leeward District Office Annex 94-521 Farrington Hwy Waipahu, HI 96797
|
Nanakuli-Waianae | 675-0335 | 675-0350 |
Pearl City-Waipahu | 675-0384 | 675-0006 |
SBBH | 675-0444 | 675-0350 |
Autism | 675-0444 x 258
| 675-0006 |
Windward | Kailua-Kalaheo | 233-5718 x 232
| | Windward District Office 46-169 Kamehameha Hwy Kaneohe, HI 96744
|
Castle-Kahuku | 233-5718 x 232 | 233-5722 |
SBBH | 235-9102 x 244 | 233-5722 |
Autism
| 233-5711 x 249
| 233-5722 |
Hawaii | Hilo-Waiakea | 974-4535 | 974-4588 | Hawaii District Office 75 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720
|
Konawaena-Kealakehe | 323-0015 | 323-0022 | West Hawaii Regional Office P.O. Box 4160 Kealakekua, HI 96750 |
SBBH | 974-6186 | 933-0739 | North Hawaii District Office 45-527 Pakalana Street Honokaa, HI 96727
|
Kohala-Honokaa | 775-8895 | 775-8898 | South Hawaii Regional Office 16-565 Keaau-Pahoa Road Keaau, HI 96749 |
Kau-Keaau-Pahoa | 982-4252 | 982-4292 |
Maui
| King Kekaulike
| 873-3520 | 873-3590 | Maui District Office P.O. Box 263 Puunene, HI 96784
|
Maui | 873-3520 | 873-3590 |
Baldwin | 873-3520 | 873-3590 |
Lahaina, Hana, Lanai
|
873-3520 | 553-1725 |
Molokai |
553-1723 |
553-1725 |
Kauai | Kauai-Kapaa-Waimea | 274-3504 | 274-3508 | Kauai District Office 3060 Eiwa Street Lihue, HI 96766
|
SBBH | 274-3500 | 274-3508 |
Mediation
Mediation is an impartial and voluntary process that can resolve issues quickly among disputing parties. With the assistance of an impartial, independent mediator who guides the process, parents and schools address special education concerns to resolve disagreements. Both the school and the parent must agree to participate.
If there are any questions, please contact the Monitoring and Compliance Branch via email at specialedcomplaints@k12.hi.us or at (808) 307-3600.
Filing an IDEA state written complaint
If you want to file an IDEA state written complaint to allege an IDEA violation, please refer to this document: Request for Special Education (IDEA) Written Complaint Form. For more information regarding IDEA state written complaints, please contact the Complaints Management Program via e-mail at specialedcomplaints@k12.hi.us or at (808) 307-3600.
Hard copy written complaints with original signatures should be sent to:
Complaints Management Program
Monitoring and Compliance Branch
Office of the Deputy Superintendent
P.O. Box 2360
Honolulu, HI 96804
Filing an IDEA impartial due process hearing request
If you want to file an IDEA due process hearing request to resolve an IDEA disagreement, please refer to this document:
Request for Due Process Hearing. For more information regarding IDEA impartial due process hearing requests, please contact the Complaints Management Program via e-mail at specialedcomplaints@k12.hi.us or at (808) 307-3600.
Informational brochures
EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
RIGHTS OF PARENTS AND STUDENTS UNDER SECTION 504, SUBPART D AND HAWAII LAW AND REGULATIONS
PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS
In accordance with 34 CFR §300.504(a) and HAR §8-60-59, schools are required to provide a copy of the Procedural Safeguards Notice to parent(s) only one time a school year, except that a copy must also be given to parent(s) during the following circumstances:
(1) Upon initial referral or parent(s) request for evaluation;
(2) Upon receipt of the first State complaint and upon receipt of the first due process complaint in a school year;
(3) In accordance with discipline procedures in 34 CFR §300.530(h); and
(4) Upon request by a parent(s).
If there are any questions with regard to the Procedural Safeguards, please contact your child's school, or the Monitoring and Compliance Branch, via e-mail at macb@k12.hi.us or at (808) 307-3600.