STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
BENEFIT, EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION
PUBLIC NOTICE
Pursuant to sections 91-3(b) and 91-4(b)(2), Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS), notice is hereby given that the Department of Human Services (DHS) has amended and complied emergency rules chapter 17-687, Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR), relating to the Hawaii Emergency Food Assistance Program.
The emergency rules were adopted on November 7, 2025, and were amended and compiled on November 18, 2025 and shall be in effect for 120 days pursuant to section 91-3(b), HRS. The emergency rules as amended are as follows:
CHAPTER 17-687 HAWAII EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
The chapter establishes the rules governing the administration and implementation of the Hawaii Emergency Food Assistance Program.
1. §17-687-1, Purpose. This section is amended to clarify the specific population that is able to receive the benefit under the purpose of this chapter and the effective date of the rules.
2. §17-687-3, Eligibility. This section is amended to outline that households eligible for the benefit shall be limited to only categorically eligible households as determined under chapter 17-680, and that their November 2025 benefits are approved by the Department prior to November 13, 2025.
3. §17-686-5, Issuance and availability of benefits. This section is amended to explain that the benefit will be issued during November 2025, benefits will be issued to the household’s existing EBT account and can only be used for FNS-allowable items at FNS-approved retailers; and that unredeemed state- sponsored benefits will be expunged the first business day after December 31, 2025.
4. §17-686-7 is repealed.
A copy of the emergency rules will be mailed at NO COST to any interested person by requesting a copy by calling (808) 586-5720 or by writing to:
Department of Human Services
Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division
Attention: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Office
1010 Richards Street, Room 512
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
The emergency rules are available for public viewing at the following website:
https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/admin-rules-2/admin-rules-for-programs/
Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.
RYAN I. YAMANE
DIRECTOR
(SA, TGI, HTH, WHT1512223 11/28/25)
