Gov. Josh Green believes Hawai‘i's food assistance programs can withstand impending federal cuts.
Green and his wife Jaime Kanani Green spoke at a press conference Tuesday urging Hawai‘i families to sign up for the state’s SUN Bucks program, which offers a one-time summertime $177 per-child benefit to qualifying families.
While 80,000 children in the state have already received benefits, Gov. Green said there may be more people still eligible, and encouraged people to check their eligibility and apply before the program’s August 3 deadline.
“These benefits don’t just help families — they strengthen our local economy by putting dollars directly into our grocery stores, farmers markets and food systems,” Gov. Green said.
The program launched in 2024 and is a joint effort between the state and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. And, despite wide-reaching cuts to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program imminent following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Department of Human Services Director Ryan Yamane said SUN Bucks be unaffected.
Gov. Green said he has “admittedly deep concerns” about the Big Beautiful Bill’s impacts — specifically citing his “problems with giving tax breaks to people who are doing really well while making it tougher … on those who have need" — but believes the state can take on the costs the bill cuts in order to keep programs alive. He said the bill will impose an additional $14 million in SNAP administration costs that the state can afford.
At the same time, Gov. Green said food assistance beneficiaries should expect to deal with increased certification requirements to prove their eligibility.
“The idea, I think, from the federal side is that if it’s difficult for people to sign up for programs, there might be attrition and, therefore, savings, and unfortunately I think that’s a bit of a cynical approach,” Gov. Green said. “I think it’s much better to meet people where their needs are.”
Gov. Green added that about 30% of Hawai‘i residents need assistance paying for health insurance, and 40% are below the “ALICE threshold” — Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed — and are just one or two paychecks away from needing assistance.
“So, no one should feel self-conscious about [asking for help],” Gov. Green said. “A lot of people might just have a rough patch and that may very well be summer when you need extra food support.”
For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter!
