#SNAP

Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services says its electronic benefit transfer, or EBT, vendor Fidelity Information Services sent some beneficiaries SUN Bucks card instead of regular Kōkua card.

Gov. Josh Green signed four measures into law today to strengthen public services, support working families and improve government operations across Hawaiʻi. Together, he said, these bills reflect the state’s commitment to responsive governance and prioritizing the well-being of local communities.

Gov. Josh Green today announced a new policy report titled “A Vision for Hawaiʻi’s Future,” outlining the Green administration’s long-term strategy to tackle significant issues facing the state of Hawai‘i. The report builds upon priorities discussed during his 2026 State of the State Address to the Legislature.

US Rep. Ed Case (HI-01) voted in his Appropriations Committee against his majority colleagues’ Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies funding measure.

Op-Ed: Marnie Masuda, leader Maui Indivisible shares her thoughts on tax relief, urging passage of SB3125 and SB3028.

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means advanced the State Budget Bill, HB1800 HD1 SD1, Wednesday. “As the Senate strives to preserve future income tax cuts for working families, the budget reflects a multi-pronged approach that captures underutilized funds to prioritize resources for essential public services,” according to the Hawaiʻi State Senate Majority.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services is reminding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program households impacted by the second kona low weather event from March 20–23, 2026, that the deadline to request replacement benefits is April 9, 2026.

DHS obtained approval from the federal Food and Nutrition Service to extend the deadline to submit applications for replacement benefits until April 2, 2026, for specific areas of the state impacted by prolonged power outages associated with the kona low weather event from March 13-March 15, 2026.

Tokuda ultimately opposed the measure, citing its failure to address the rising costs facing farmers and producers, support the nutrition needs of working families—from keiki to kupuna—and provide meaningful investment in rural economies. The bill cleared the committee by a vote of 34-17 and now goes to the full House of Representatives for consideration.  

Ahead of the First Decking deadline on Friday, March 6, 2026, the committee passed priority bills focused on public benefits, social assistance, Medicaid, food security, and support for service providers assisting vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, kūpuna and keiki.

Up to $350 in grocery assistance is available for eligible Native Hawaiian SNAP recipients with minor dependents who experienced financial hardship during the 2025 government shutdown.

Maui Economic Opportunity’s Head Start preschool program is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year.  

The Hawaiian Council is continuing its statewide effort to assist Native Hawaiian beneficiaries applying for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs I Ola: OHA’s Emergency Relief Fund. 

Gov. Josh Green pledged to extend rent support for Maui wildfire survivors through February 2027 and proposed halting future state tax cuts to preserve social services during his State of the State address, Monday in the House Chambers at the State Capitol.

The Hawai’i Senate Majority today announced its 2026 legislative priorities in advance of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature’s Opening Day on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Human Services are strengthening coordination between the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, to help more families access nutritious food and vital health supports.

Gov. Josh Green will submit the Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) to the Legislature today, outlining a responsible and forward-looking plan that invests in affordable housing, climate, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and core services for residents, while also preparing for anticipated federal changes.

US Sen. Mazie K. Hirono joined the Senate Democratic Caucus in introducing the “Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025.” The legislation would repeal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Maui Economic Opportunity offers an array of resources for Maui County residents dealing with the impacts of the federal government shutdown, changes to federal program requirements, 2023 wildfire recovery and general housing and utility crises and has been receiving numerous applications and inquiries about assistance programs.

As food insecurity and the impacts of federal funding reductions to essential programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) continue to affect local families, the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives is pleased to announce the release of funding for the Farm to Families initiative, a Legislature-funded program that enables local food banks to purchase, store, and distribute fresh, Hawaiʻi-grown produce to residents in need.