HONOLULU — Gov. Josh Green on Friday signed a sixth emergency proclamation that extends federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program emergency allotment benefits for the next 60 days alongside ongoing federal COVID relief efforts.

What You Need To Know

  • This is the first time Gov. Josh Green has issued a proclamation invoking his emergency powers to extend SNAP emergency benefits related to the pandemic

  • The 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act will end the ability of states nationwide to issue emergency allotments after Feb. 2023

  • Starting in March, SNAP households will receive only their normal allotments

  • Call the toll-free Public Assistance Information Line at 1-855-643-1643 for information about applications and renewals

“Hawaii’s families are heavily burdened by economic impacts of the pandemic as well as inflation and these additional SNAP benefits ensure access to nutritious food,” said Gov. Green in a news release. SNAP is a lifeline to food and nutritional support that also assists people transitioning from public assistance to independent living.

In Nov. 2022, former Gov. David Ige signed an emergency proclamation allowing the state to continue administering SNAP emergency benefits through Jan. 26, 2023.

However, with the signing of the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act by Pres. Joseph Biden, in December of last year, states can no longer issue emergency allotments after Feb. 2023. That means starting in March, SNAP households will receive only their normal allotments.

The Hawaii State Department of Human Services Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division administers SNAP to qualifying households. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, the largest food nutrition assistance initiative in the nation, manages SNAP.

Recipients of SNAP and financial assistance programs are required to renew their eligibility each year to continue receiving benefits. To apply for the first time, to renew benefits, and to upload recertification and renewal documents, visit the BESSD application site.

Call the toll-free Public Assistance Information Line at 1-855-643-1643 for information about applications and renewals.

DHS also contracts with the following SNAP Outreach providers offering information and basic assistance with SNAP applications and referrals to food sources:

STATEWIDE: Aloha United Way, phone 211

OAHU:

  • Hale Na`au Pono, 808-696-4211 (Leeward Coast only)
  • Helping Hands Hawaii, 808-440-3812
  • Lanakila Pacific, 808-356-8581

MAUI:

  • Project Vision Hawaii, 808-201-3937

KAUAI:

  • Child & Family Service, 808-245-5914

HAWAII ISLAND:

  • The Food Basket, 808-933-6030 (Hilo) and 808-322-1418 (Kona)

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.