STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3787

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1518

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1518, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

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

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) By February 28, 2027, require the Department of Human Services, upon obtaining a federal waiver, to establish a pre-release Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application process for inmates nearing release; and

(2) Allow all individuals convicted of an offense involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance to apply for SNAP benefits, regardless of treatment status.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission; Department of Research and Development of the County of Hawaii; one member of the Hawaii County Council; Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute; Healthy Eating, Active Living Coalition; Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition; Community Alliance on Prisons; Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice; Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi; ACLU Hawaiʻi; League of Women Voters of Hawaii; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Aloha Independent Living Hawaii; Hawaiʻi Hunger Action Network; AlohaCare; Hawaiʻi Foodbank; Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action; and fifty individuals.

Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services.

Your Committees find that individuals leaving correctional facilities face an immediate period of vulnerability, often with limited financial resources, unstable housing, and barriers to employment. Research demonstrates that access to basic necessities like food, housing, and income reduces the likelihood of recidivism. By ensuring timely access to SNAP benefits at the point of release, this measure provides a critical stabilizing resource that supports lawful reintegration and reduces the pressure to return to survival-based criminal activity.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1518, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommend that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means,

________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair

________________________________ KARL RHOADS, Chair