STAND. COM. REP. NO. 534-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1518

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 Public Safety, to which was referred H.B. No. 1518, H.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the Department of Human Services, upon obtaining a federal waiver, to establish a pre-release Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applicable process for inmates nearing release.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; Hawaiʻi Correctional Oversight System Commission; Department of Research and Development of the County of Hawaiʻi; American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute; Hawaiʻi Hunger Action Network; Hawaii Food Industry Association; AlohaCare; Hawaii Children's Action Network Speaks!; Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi; Aloha United Way; Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice; Hawaii Food+ Policy; Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition; Hina Mauka; Community Alliance on Prisons; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services.

Your Committee finds that individuals leaving correctional facilities face an immediate period of vulnerability, often with limited financial resources. Ensuring timely SNAP benefits at the point of release provides a critical stabilizing resource that supports lawful reintegration and eliminates gaps in support during a high-risk reentry period.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1518, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety,

____________________________

DELLA AU BELATTI, Chair