UPDATE – (3:15 p.m. on Monday, September 19)

• A fourth emergency proclamation to allow the continuation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) emergency allotment benefits, in line with the federal COVID emergency, was been signed by Governor David Ige on Monday.
• “The imminent danger or threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the families of Hawaii caused by food insecurity continues to constitute an emergency,” Governor Ige stated in his proclamation.
• For the month of August, 86,490 families (or 161,421 individuals) received additional benefits of $17,741,331 in federally authorized SNAP emergency allotments “to help address food needs during the state and national public health emergency periods”, the State says.

From the State of Hawaiʻi:

Gov. David Ige signed a fourth emergency proclamation to allow the continuation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) emergency allotment benefits in line with the federal COVID emergency. The disaster emergency relief period continues through November 18, 2022.

“Food insecurity is just one of the lingering effects of the pandemic, and SNAP benefits provide Hawaiʻi families with nutritious food,” said Gov. Ige. “It’s important for families to reach out so they can get the help they need.”

The SNAP program provides crucial food and nutritional support to qualifying low-income and needy households, and those making the transition from public assistance to self-sufficiency.

In Hawaiʻi, the Department of Human Services (DHS) Benefit, Employment & Support Services Division (BESSD) administers the program and remains committed to providing food security for individuals and families in Hawaiʻi.

SNAP is managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is the largest food nutrition assistance program in the country. DHS reminds the public that the federal government requires recipients of SNAP and Financial Assistance Programs (FAP) to recertify, or renew, their eligibility annually (for most households) to receive continued benefits.

Households are now able to upload required documents at hawaii.gov.  

However, renewal interviews should be completed via telephone, and recipients needing assistance with this process or information about the status of their recertification should call the Public Assistance Toll Free Information Line at 1-855-643-1643.