Department of Human Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 8, 2025 HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i Department of Human Services (DHS) is providing an update for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients amid continued uncertainty surrounding federal SNAP funding and the Supreme Court’s temporary pause on full benefit payments. We understand that there are questions regarding whether some SNAP recipients may ...
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For Immediate Release October 24, 2025 HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services (DHS) is sharing guidance on the temporary suspension of November 2025 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit issuances resulting from the ongoing federal government shutdown. DHS understands the hardship this may cause for families, kūpuna and individuals across Hawaiʻi and is ...
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SNAP UPDATES – November 7, 2025 SNAP benefits are available for use on a household’s Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card for those who were approved for November 2025. Hawaiʻi moved forward to issue the full amount for federally funded SNAP benefits earlier today in accordance with the November 6, 2025, order from the District Court ...
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HIDOE News Release in partnership with DHS HONOLULU – Over 200 participants in the 33rd annual White Cane Walk were decked in a black T-shirt featuring the words “Never Back Down,” designed by Waipahu High School student Jayzen Carlos, who won the first-ever T-shirt design contest for the event. The event — which was organized ...
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 17, 2025  HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i Department of Human Services (DHS) is mobilizing to support communities ahead of new federal work requirements for SNAP recipients, effective November 1, 2025. These requirements stem from a federal law passed this year and are not a state-initiated measure. DHS affirms its commitment to helping ...
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General Background about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):  (Updated 10/16/2025) SNAP provides assistance to purchase food for low-income households. An estimated 84,869 households (=165,659 people) currently receive SNAP in Hawai‘i.  The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that was signed into law on July 4, 2025, makes a number of changes to requirements for ...
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 23, 2025 (Updated) HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services (DHS) is preparing families across the state for upcoming changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), effective October 1, 2025. Because of adjustments made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to the Thrifty Food Plan — the federal ...
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 20, 2025 HONOLULU – The Hauʻula Family Assessment Center is a new program that will provide safe, appropriate and immediate temporary low-barrier shelter for families experiencing homelessness. The project is a joint effort and partnership between the Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services (DHS) and the City and County of Honolulu Department ...
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New Housing Specialists to Respond to Evolving Needs of Survivors FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 6, 2025   HONOLULU — The Department of Human Services Disaster Case Management Program (DCMP) has established a new, dedicated team of Housing Specialists focused on addressing the most pressing need for survivors: finding and securing permanent housing options. These new ...
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With Several Openings the Commission Welcomes New Applicants FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 4, 2025 HONOLULU – The Office of Youth Services (OYS), under the Department of Human Services (DHS), recently conducted an in-person swearing-in ceremony for the Hawaiʻi State Youth Commission (HiYC). Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke administered the oath of office to the youth commissioners ...
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