Statement from Department of Human Services Director Lillian Koller regarding death of Cyrus Belt
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The senseless death of toddler Cyrus Belt last Thursday is an unfathomable tragedy.
Everyone in Hawai'i is shocked by this loss and is seeking answers as to how this could have happened.
As Director of the Department of Human Services, I am personally investigating this case.
Therefore, over the last few days I have instructed my staff to examine each and every record in our child welfare system related to this incident.
Because our department is committed to being completely transparent, we are making public, by posting on our website all our records that are permitted under Federal and State laws.
These records reveal everything documented by the Departmentʼs child welfare services agency, from 2002 to 2008, relating to Cyrusʼ mother.
Our intention in making these records public is not to blame anyone for their action or inaction. Rather, we hope to collectively determine if there was anything that could have been done to save the life of this child.
I stand ready to make any necessary changes for the safety of Hawai'i's children.
Lillian Koller
Director, Department of Human Services
