STAND. COM. REP. NO. 943

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 960

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 960, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys to the Department of Human Services to enhance staffing related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from AlohaCare, American Association of University Women of Hawaii, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Get Fit Kauai Healthy Eating + Active Living Coalition of Kauai County, Green Party of Hawaii, Hawaiian Alliance for Progressive Action, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Children's Action Network Speaks!, Hawaii Family Caregiver Coalition, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Foodbank, Hawaii Hunger Action Network, Hawaii Primary Care Association, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition, Indivisible Hawaii Statewide Network, Ka Ohana O Na Pua, Save Medicaid Hawaii, and numerous individuals.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services and one individual.

Your Committee finds that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has helped a significant number of low-income individuals and families in the State obtain groceries. Your Committee further finds that, in light of the Governor's announcement in 2024 to remove the net income limit criteria for program beneficiaries, staff enhancement for the program will facilitate expanded access to food assistance.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 960, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair