Strengthen SNAP access and keep Hawaiʻi households fed!
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a vital safety net that helps Hawai‘i households access basic nutrition and combat food insecurity. However, many individuals and families who struggle with food costs fall outside strict eligibility criteria, while those who do face barriers like long wait times, application errors and limited staff support. Addressing these challenges is essential to covering all families considered Asset-Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed (ALICE).
Each state legislative session, we keep a close eye on bills aimed at improving access to SNAP in the following ways:
Expanding Eligibility: Proposals to raise SNAP eligibility threshold and restore previous benefit standards.
Enhancing Accessibility: Efforts to simplify the process, like reducing administrative hurdles and extending certification periods to make it easier for specific groups.
Addressing Staffing Challenges: Initiatives to improve staffing and streamline SNAP support services during the application process, ensuring timely assistance for those who need it most.
For the upcoming 2026 legislative session, HHAN plans to build off of the momentum from last year, focusing on these key bills ↓
EXPANDING ELIGIBILITY
Expand SNAP eligibility to those who fall under 300% of the Federal Poverty Level
ENHANCING ACCESSIBILITY
Require participation in the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP), which would make it easier for kūpuna to apply and recertify for SNAP.
Implement a prerelease waiver, allowing eligible incarcerated individuals to apply for SNAP benefits before release.
Sample Testimony & Talking Points
EXPANDING ELIGIBILITY - SB53 & HB539
Applies to 300% FPL threshold (SB53, HB539)
- SNAP is critical to the over 155,000 residents who receive benefits in Hawaiʻi.
- With 1 in 3 households experiencing food insecurity, it is still not reaching everyone who needs help.
- Expanding SNAP benefits will help those who earn too much to qualify for existing benefits, but not enough to afford Hawai‘i’s high cost of living.
- SNAP is one of our most important safety nets and boosts Hawaiʻi’s local economy
- The current SNAP eligibility cutoff is 200% below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is $71,760 for a family of 4, whereas the survival budget for the same size family is over $107,000.
- Many groups who are struggling with food insecurity are left out of SNAP.
ENHANCING ACCESSIBILITY - SB2417 & HB1518, SB961
Applies to ESAP (SB961) and Pre-Release (SB2417, HB1518) Waiver bills
- SNAP is critical to the over 155,000 residents who receive benefits in Hawaiʻi.
- SNAP applicants face many barriers to applying for federal SNAP benefits.
- Some SNAP users lose crucial benefits during the recertification process, despite no changes to eligibility.
- Elderly Simplified Application Process (ESAP) extends the recertification period to every 3 years and allows kūpuna and adults with disabilities to waive recertification interviews.
- 25 other states have already implemented ESAP.
- Allowing inmates to apply for SNAP before being released allows people to access food immediately upon reentry, instead of waiting weeks or months during community reintegration.
- Over 90% of people recently released from prison report food insecurity, and many go entire days without eating.
- Thirteen states have successfully implemented SNAP pre-release waivers.
- Ensuring food access reduces reliance on emergency services, homelessness, and reincarceration, ultimately benefiting individuals saving taxpayer dollars.
Other Resources:
In the News
It’s not only making it harder for families to put food on their tables. It’s also affecting people’s livelihoods.