To address the continuing threat of terrorism and to work with the federal Department of Homeland Security (created in 2002 following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001), homeland security in Hawaii in 2003 operated under the authority of the governor; the adjutant general was designated as the state homeland security advisor.
Hawaii's first ombudsman, empowered to investigate complaints by the public about any officer or employee of state or county government, took office in 1969. The State Ethics Commission, a legislative agency, implements requirements for financial disclosure by state officials and investigates alleged conflicts of interest and other breaches of ethics.
The Department of Education is headed by an elected Board of Education. It operates hundreds of schools in the state, including several for the physically and mentally disabled. It also administers the statewide public library system, regulates private schools, and certifies teachers. The Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii oversees the state's higher educational institutions. Highways, airports, harbors, and other facilities are the concern of the Department of Transportation.
The Department of Health operates over 10 public hospitals, the Kalaupapa leper colony, and various programs for the mentally ill, the mentally retarded, and alcoholics. Civil defense and the Air and Army national guards are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense. The Department of Land and Natural Resources focuses on the environment.
The Corrections Division of the Department of Social Services and Housing operates the state prison system, along with programs for juvenile offenders. Also within this department are divisions of public welfare and vocational rehabilitation, as well as the Hawaii Housing Authority. The Executive Office on Aging works with state and county departments to coordinate programs for senior citizens. Unemployment insurance, occupational safety and health laws, and workers' compensation programs are run by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.