STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
BENEFIT, EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Pursuant to sections 91-3 and 92-41, Hawaii Revised Statutes, notice is hereby given that the Department of Human Services (DHS) will hold a public hearing to provide an opportunity to comment on the proposed amendments to and compilation of Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) Chapter 17-686.1, Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program, of the Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division, for the purpose of alignment with federal regulations and recommendations.
Brief descriptions of the proposed amendments are listed below.
Chapter 17-686.1 Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program
1. §17-686.1-4, Application processing. Clarifying that only applications received during the summer operational period shall be disposed of within fifteen business days of the date of application is deemed completed. Complete applications received prior to the start of the summer operational period shall be disposed of within fifteen business days from the start of the summer operational period.
2. §17-686.1-9, Overpayment and fraud. Clarifying that an overpayment recovery will not be initiated unless the onset overpayment amount is in excess of the minimum amount established for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program overpayment claims. Establishes that the due date or time frame for repayment in full or submission of a signed repayment agreement must be not later than thirty calendar days after the date of the adequate notice.
A public hearing will be held on:
Monday, August 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
This will be a virtual event using Microsoft Teams.
There are two (2) ways to participate in the public hearing: online via the internet or by telephone conference call, or by written testimony. All interested persons are invited to attend the virtual hearing and present relevant information to state their views relative to the proposed rules either orally or in writing for the department to consider.
Online via Internet or Telephone Conference Call: Persons may present live video/oral testimony via internet or telephone during the online public hearing. To participate, you will need either a computer with internet access, video camera, and microphone, or a telephone.
To attend, please email your request at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing date to: bessd_fsp_mailbox@dhs.hawaii.gov to request the weblink to attend the virtual hearing via video conference call through Microsoft Teams. Please include your email, full name, and phone number. A confirmation will be sent to you with instructions, the meeting link, and call-in phone number.
Written Testimony: Should written testimony be presented, one (1) copy shall be made available to the presiding officer at the public hearing or within seven (7) days before the hearing to:
Email: bessd_fsp_mailbox@dhs.hawaii.gov
Department of Human Services
Attn: Scott Nakasone
Benefit, Employment & Support Services Division
1010 Richards Street, Suite 512
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
If written testimony would be provided without attending the public hearing, written testimony must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026.
A copy of the proposed rules will be available via the DHS website: http://humanservices.hawaii.gov/admin-rules-2/proposed-rules/ or by calling (808) 586-5720 during regular business days and hours, Monday through Friday excluding state holidays, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to request a copy at NO COST to any interested person, or by writing to:
Department of Human Services
Benefit, Employment & Support Services Division
1010 Richards Street, Suite 512
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
If you need any auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Office at (808) 586-5720 or bessd_fsp_mailbox@dhs.hawaii.gov as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request.
Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.
JOSEPH CAMPOS II
DIRECTOR
(WHT1532943 7/14/26)
