Informing the Legislature that on July 1, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB960 SD1 HD2 CD1 (ACT 264).

This bill (SB 960) appropriates $1.1 million in state funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to improve access to Hawaii's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It directly supports low-income households - currently served by SNAP for over 130,000 residents - by funding staffing enhancements at the Department of Human Services. Key provisions include authorizing higher pay for SNAP-related staff, creating new positions to boost program access (especially in disadvantaged communities), and supporting other initiatives to increase participation rates. The funding aims to help implement existing SNAP policy changes, such as eliminating net income limits, by strengthening the department's capacity to process applications and serve beneficiaries.