Maximum Hawaii

Gov. Green moves to protect Hawaiʻi residents from federal shutdown

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HONOLULU (KHON2) — Gov. Josh Green, M.D. announced Wednesday, Oct. 29, a new state-led effort to help Hawaiʻi families affected by the federal government shutdown.

The program, launched in partnership with the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, the Department of Human Services (DHS), the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and other state agencies, will provide emergency support for housing and utility costs as thousands brace for the loss of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits beginning Nov. 1.

Applications for the new Hawaiʻi Relief Program opened Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Helping families through crisis

The federal shutdown could impact 165,000 residents who rely on SNAP for food support. In response, DHS and its nonprofit partners, Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi (CCH) and Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. (MEO), will offer up to four months of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) payments to eligible households.

Families must have at least one dependent child and be facing a financial crisis, such as a furlough, layoff or medical emergency.

The program is separate from the state’s regular TANF benefits and uses a different application process.

Families do not need to be on SNAP to apply. A financial crisis or episode of need is defined as a period of instability caused by an unexpected event that leads to overdue housing or utility payments or the threat of eviction or disconnection.

“These are challenging times for working families across Hawaiʻi. No one should go hungry or lose stability because of gridlock in Washington, D.C.,” said Green. “Our administration, together with the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, the Department of Human Services, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Department of Education and community partners, is stepping up to ensure everyone in Hawaiʻi has access to food and essential aid during this federal shutdown.”

Building statewide partnerships

DHS selected CCH and MEO to manage applications and distribute support across the islands. CCH will oversee the program on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island. MEO will administer it on Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi.

“We appreciate Governor Green’s leadership and decisive action in establishing the Hawai‘i Relief Program,” said Joseph Campos, deputy director of DHS. “Through this initiative, we can continue serving Hawai‘i’s families with compassion and integrity, ensuring that essential support reaches those most affected by the federal shutdown.”

Green also directed $2 million in state funding to Hawai‘i Foodbank to help local food banks meet the increased demand.

What community leaders are saying

“The state’s new Hawai‘i Relief Program reflects what Hawai‘i does best: Our community coming and working together to help those in time of need,” said Catholic Charities Hawai‘i President and CEO Tina Andrade. “We’re grateful to partner with Governor Green and the state Department of Human Services to ensure these valuable financial resources reach those who need them the most. CCH has stood with Hawai‘i families through every crisis — from the recent pandemic to the Maui wildfires — by helping to provide critical rent and mortgage relief. We are honored to continue that mission through this state-led housing assistance program.”

“We understand the challenges residents are facing as many adapt to new requirements to access essential services such as food and housing,” said MEO Chief Executive Officer Debbie Cabebe. “MEO is honored to assist with this transition by administering the Hawai‘i Relief Program in partnership with the state Department of Human Services. As we have for the past 60 years, MEO stands ready to help.”

How to apply

For residents on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island (Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi):

  • Call: 808-521-4357, press “8” for the Hawaiʻi Relief Program (HRP) Team.
  • Email: hrp.help@catholiccharitieshawaii.org
  • Website and application.
  • Offices:
    • Honolulu, 1822 Keʻeaumoku Street.
    • Waiʻanae, 86-082 Farrington Highway, #255.
    • Kailua-Kona, 73-5618 Maiau Street.
    • Hilo, 58 Kinoʻole Street, Suite 104.
    • Līhuʻe, 4373 Rice Street #1.

For residents on Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi (Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc.):

Additional resources:

The Hawaiʻi Relief Program stands as the state’s latest effort to ensure that every family has access to food, housing and stability during this period of federal uncertainty.