SNAP Replacement Benefit Deadline is April 9 for Households Impacted by Second Kona Low

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2026

HONOLULU —The Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services (DHS) is reminding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households impacted by the second Kona Low weather event from March 20–23, 2026, that the deadline to request replacement benefits is April 9, 2026.

Replacement benefits are available to eligible households that lost food purchased with SNAP benefits due to storm-related household misfortune, including power outages. The amount of replacement benefits is based on the value of food lost, not to exceed the household’s monthly SNAP allotment.

The April 9, 2026 deadline applies only to SNAP households in the following impacted areas:

City and County of Honolulu (Oʻahu):
Wahiawā (96786)

Hawaiʻi County:
Hāwī (96719), Holualoa (96725), Kailua-Kona (96740, 96745), Kamuela (96743), Keaʻau (96749), Kealakekua (96750), Kapaʻau (96755), Kurtistown (96760), Mountain View (96771), Nā‘ālehu (96772), Pāhoa (96778), Volcano (96785)

Maui County:
Hāna (96713), Kula (96790)

Households in these areas that experienced food loss may apply by contacting any DHS Processing Center or calling the Public Assistance Information Line at 1-855-643-1643.

To request replacement benefits, households must submit a signed written statement that includes:

• Name of the SNAP participant
• Estimated value of food lost
• Description of what occurred and when
• Contact information

A sample written statement is available on the DHS website; however, households may submit their own statement and are not required to use the sample form.

All submissions will be reviewed and validated. Approved households will receive replacement benefits following the review process.

For more information, visit the DHS website or contact your nearest DHS Processing Center.

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Media Contact:
Jerron Oyama
Communications Specialist
State of Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services
Phone: 808-586-4892
Email: [email protected]