At 68%, the Honolulu office maintains an allowance rate above the national average. While your 7-month wait is faster than the national norm, the wait time has been rising recently. Because the panel shows a moderate spread in allowance rates, your success depends on presenting a file that addresses the specific medical and vocational evidence your assigned judge will prioritize. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet these standards.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for representation before your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
With a 7-month wait, you have a limited window to ensure your medical records are current and comprehensive. The most critical step is submitting updated evidence of your limitations before the deadline, as judges rely on objective data to support your claim. During your hearing, an ALJ will preside while a vocational expert typically testifies about your ability to perform work. You should be prepared to discuss your daily activities and how your symptoms prevent you from maintaining gainful employment. Because hearings move quickly at this office, having a clear, organized narrative of your health history is essential for a successful outcome.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 7 judges at this office shows a moderate spread in allowance rates, ranging from 52% to 78%. This variation means that while the office average is high, your outcome can differ based on which judge is assigned to your case. Since cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, making it vital to build a case that is robust enough to meet the evidentiary standards of any member of the panel.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
Hearings at this office come up quickly, leaving little room for error once your date is set. Even with a high 68% allowance rate, cases often fail if the record does not adequately address the vocational expert's testimony. Identifying missing medical evidence and preparing for the specific questions an ALJ will ask are key steps in strengthening your position.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for your hearing day at the Prince Kuhio Federal Building.
Most Favorable Judges
Honolulu, HI
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeffrey A. Hatfield | 82% | 74% | 27,320 | |
| 2 | Gary J. Lee | 82% | 70% | 7,155 | |
| 3 | Jesse J. Pease | 63% | 54% | 20,767 | |
| 4 | Ruxana Meyer | 59% | 51% | 19,792 | |
| 5 | David Romeo | 48% | 44% | 21,326 |
Your odds change dramatically with a lawyer
SSDI hearing approval rates — with a lawyer vs. on your own
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37 — analysis of SSA ALJ adult disability decisions, FY 2007–2015. Applicants with a lawyer got approved at a rate nearly three times higher than those without. Individual case outcomes vary based on medical evidence, the specific judge, and quality of representation. Checking whether you qualify for a free benefits review takes 2 minutes.
Wait Time Trend
Average months from hearing request to decision — last 16 months
Nearest SSA Field Offices
Where to apply or check on your claim in person
Frequently Asked Questions
About This Content
Statistics come from SSA's Office of Hearings Operations reports and publicly available judge decision data. Approval rates count both full and partial approvals. Wait times reflect the average from hearing request to decision.