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UNOFFICIAL 1703.1-8 decisions regarding the hearing process or to authorize another individual to act on the individual’s behalf, the hearing officer may designate one of the following persons to represent the individual in the hearing process: (1) A spouse or other adult relative who has actual custody of the individual or demonstrates a close, continuing concern for the individual’s well being; or (2) An adult friend who has demonstrated a continuing and current interest, by overt acts, in the individual’s well being. In situations in which the hearing officer questions the ability of the individual to participate in the hearing process, the hearing officer may request and authorize a medical evaluation at the department's expense before designating an authorized representative. [Eff 09/30/13] (Auth: HRS §346-14(9); 42 C.F.R. §§ 431.221, 431.244) (Imp: HRS §§91-9, 91-9.5, 346-12; 42 C.F.R. §§ 431.221, 431.244)

§17-1703.1-9 Denial or dismissal of a request for hearing. (a) A hearing shall not be granted by the department when either federal or state law requires automatic adjustment in the standard of assistance for classes of beneficiaries unless the appeal is for an incorrect determination of eligibility. (b) A hearing shall not be granted by the department when the individual has withdrawn the request in writing. Where the individual verbally communicates a desire to withdraw the hearing request through a mode of communication described in section 17-1703.1-4(a)(1) or (a)(3), the individual shall be advised that the withdrawal shall be submitted in writing or if the individual prefers, the department shall send a confirmation of the verbal request to withdraw to the individual. (c) A hearing shall not be granted by the hearing officer when the individual has abandoned the request. Abandonment occurs when the individual, without good cause, fails to appear at the hearing scheduled for the individual. (1) The hearing officer shall send the individual a letter stating that the appeal