STAND. COM. REP. NO. 218-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 2233

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Human Services & Homelessness, to which was referred H.B. No. 2233 entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience and the Department of Health to continue their implementation of the Hawaii Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education Program.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; Executive Office on Early Learning; Executive Office on Aging; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Life of the Land; Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute; Hawaiʻi Family Caregiver Coalition; Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System.

Your Committee finds that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education (SNAP-Ed) program supports parents and early childhood providers in building foundations for the lifelong health of Hawaii's children. SNAP-Ed outcomes demonstrate numerous positive impacts, with participants reporting improved diets, increased skills in meal planning and budgeting, and increased access to sufficient food for their families. However, the discontinuation of SNAP-Ed has created a significant gap in nutrition education and food security support for low‑income families in the State.

Your Committee further finds that continued state investment in SNAP‑Ed is necessary to sustain proven, evidence‑based programs that improve dietary health, strengthen local food systems, and reduce long‑term public health costs. This measure will ensure that the University of Hawaii and the Department of Health can maintain and deliver these essential services despite the loss of federal funding.

Your Committee has requested information regarding the appropriation amounts necessary for the Department of Health and the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience to fulfill the requirements of this measure and once received, will pass this information along as this measure moves through the legislative process.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services & Homelessness that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2233, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2233, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Higher Education.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services & Homelessness,

____________________________

LISA MARTEN, Chair