HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THE TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE
INTERIM OF 2017
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COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
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Rep. John M. Mizuno, Chair |
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Rep. Bertrand Kobayashi, Vice Chair |
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Rep. Della Au Belatti |
Rep. Andria P.L. Tupola |
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Rep. Lei R. Learmont |
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NOTICE OF INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING
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DATE: |
Tuesday, January 16, 2018 |
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TIME: |
9:00 a.m. |
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PLACE: |
Conference Room 325 State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street |
A G E N D A
The Legislature finds that Hawaii's high cost of living has significantly affected many families and individuals who struggle to purchase food. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a crucial component of public assistance which provides the necessary assistance in purchasing food for some of Hawaii's most disadvantaged citizens.
Hawaii secures over $500,000,000 annually in SNAP funds, which is completely federal funds and for each $1 in federal SNAP funds brought into Hawaii, it's generates $1.80 toward the local economy. However, a comparison of data indicates that in September 2016, 173,669 people in Hawaii participated in the SNAP program, but during the same time 343,101 people in Hawaii were enrolled in Medicaid which is healthcare coverage for lower income families and individuals. The correlation discloses a significant number of Hawaii residents on Medicaid have not secured SNAP benefits.
When comparing other states, Hawaii's participation rate in the SNAP program is not considered high, therefore the purpose of this briefing is to focus on awareness campaigns, programs, and collaborating with government, businesses, non-profits, and faith based organizations, to secure higher participation rates in the SNAP program for the betterment of the poor, homeless, needy, hungry and to support the State.
The following organizations and individuals have been invited to participate in this Informational Briefing:
The Department of Human Services (DHS) Director or his designee
DHS Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Branch Administrator or their designee
DHS Medicaid Administrator or their designee
The Department of Health Adult Mental Health Division Administrator or their designee
The State Interagency Council on Homelessness
Office of Housing, City and County of Honolulu
Community First
Aloha United Way
The Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice
Hawaii Public Health
PHOCUSED
The Institute for Human Services (IHS)
Ho'omau Ke Ola
Additional non-profits if time permits
The goal of this briefing is to highlight the recommendations and solutions to secure greater participation in the SNAP Program, seeking to secure an additional $250,000,000 in federal funds for the State's most needy.
No public testimony will be accepted.
If you require special assistance or auxiliary aids and/or services to participate in the informational briefing (i.e., sign language interpreter or wheelchair accessibility), please contact the Committee Clerk at 586-6050 to make a request for arrangements at least 24 hours prior to the briefing. Prompt requests help to ensure the availability of qualified individuals and appropriate accommodations.
For further information, please call the Committee Clerk at 586-6050.
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________________________________________ Rep. John M. Mizuno Chair |
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________________________________________ Rep. Scott K. Saiki Speaker of the House |