FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 2, 2026

HONOLULU - The Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services (DHS) is announcing critical updates for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households impacted by Tropical Cyclone Lala. Many families experienced food loss due to severe weather, prolonged power outages, flooding and other household misfortunes. To support recovery efforts, DHS has implemented an Automated Mass Replacement (AMR) of 45% of August SNAP benefits for households in federally approved areas. The 45% replacement benefits are scheduled to be available on EBT cards as early as tomorrow morning.

The AMR applies to SNAP households in:
• Hawaiʻi County
• City and County of Honolulu (Oʻahu)
• West Maui (ZIP code 96761)

Households in these areas will receive 45% replacement automatically. SNAP recipients outside the AMR-approved areas may still apply for replacement benefits through September 13; however, they will not receive an automatic issuance and must submit a written statement to request replacement benefits.

Households in AMR-approved ZIP codes who lost more than the automated 45% amount may also request additional replacement benefits. DHS will manually process the remaining difference; eligibility workers may contact households if clarification is needed to verify the amount being requested.

To ensure households statewide have enough time to request replacement benefits beyond automatic issuance, DHS has been approved for an extension of a Timely Reporting Waiver through September 13. This gives families additional days to submit signed statements documenting food loss.

Governor Josh Green noted the significance of the extended deadline and automated support:
"Many families are still dealing with the serious impacts of Tropical Cyclone Lala - spoiled food, damaged homes and difficulties accessing essential services. These replacement benefits and the extended reporting period ensure that SNAP households get the support they need to continue feeding their families while they recover."

DHS Director Joseph Campos II added:
"Our priority is ensuring that SNAP households across Hawaiʻi receive timely support. The automated mass replacement reduces barriers for families in the hardest-hit areas, and the extended deadline allows households statewide the flexibility to report additional losses. DHS remains committed to supporting our communities as they rebuild."

How to Apply for Additional or Non-Automated SNAP Replacement Benefits:

Households needing more than the automated 45% replacement - or those living outside the AMR areas - may apply by submitting a signed, written statement that includes:
• Name of the SNAP participant
• Date of food loss (specific date required)
• Estimated value of food lost (specific dollar amount required)
• Description of what occurred
• Participant contact information

A sample statement is available on the DHS website, but households are not required to use the template and may submit their own written statement instead. Statements may be submitted to any DHS Processing Center statewide. As required by federal rules, the SNAP recipient must sign the statement, even if someone else delivers it on their behalf. Eligibility workers may contact applicants directly if more information is needed.

For more information, participants are encouraged to visit the DHS website at https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/ or call the Statewide Public Assistance Information Line at 1-855-643-1643.

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