House concurrent resolution commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Bennington Fire Department’s management of the annual Bennington Battle Day Weekend Parade and festivities

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Seth Bongartz and 5 co-sponsors

Requests Hawaii DHS to apply for and implement USDA ESAP to simplify SNAP for elderly residents when feasible, reducing barriers and boosting enrollment.

Adopted pursuant to Joint Rule 16b

Summary — HCR 146 (2025)

Title: Requesting the Department of Human Services to apply for and implement the Elderly Simplified Application Project in the State when capable.

Type: Concurrent resolution
Introduced: May 8, 2025
Primary sponsors: Representatives Takayama, Amato, Kapela, Kila, Shimizu, Grandinetti, Marten, Poepoe
Companion: HR 140

Purpose

HCR 146 asks the State Department of Human Services (DHS) to apply for and implement the federal Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) “when capable.” The resolution expresses legislative support for simplifying SNAP access and administration for elderly residents.

What ESAP is (context)

ESAP is a USDA Food and Nutrition Service option/demonstration intended to simplify SNAP application, eligibility, and recertification processes for elderly households (typically older adults and others with barriers to the standard process).

Typical goals of ESAP include reducing paperwork and interviews, shortening application/forms, minimizing verification burdens, and increasing enrollment and retention among eligible elderly people.

Key provisions of HCR 146

Formally requests DHS to:

Submit an application to the appropriate federal agency (USDA/FNS) to participate in ESAP; and
Implement ESAP in the State when DHS determines it is feasible to do so.

Encourages DHS to pursue implementation in a way that reduces barriers for elderly SNAP applicants and maximizes program access.

As a concurrent resolution, it does not itself create binding legal or budgetary obligations but serves as an official legislative request/direction.

Who would be affected

Primary beneficiaries: elderly residents who are potentially eligible for SNAP but face barriers under standard application/recertification procedures.

Administrative impact: DHS (program staff, eligibility systems) would need to prepare an ESAP application, adjust procedures, and possibly modify IT systems and training.

Federal interaction: DHS would work with USDA/FNS on approval, terms, and any reporting requirements.

Procedural history & timeline (selected)

Filed/Offered: March–May 2025 (filed May 8 per bill header).

Committee review: Referred to relevant House and Senate committees (HSH, HHS) with hearings and favorable reports (March–April 2025).

Legislative action: Adopted by both chambers (House and Senate) with amendments; House agreed to Senate amendments.

Final steps: Sent to Governor June 2, 2025; Signed by the Governor June 20, 2025.

Implementation considerations / potential impacts

Potential benefits: increased SNAP participation among low-income elderly, reduced administrative burden for applicants, improved food security.

Resource needs: DHS may need staffing, IT changes, outreach, and potential short-term costs to prepare an ESAP application and modify operations; federal approval would define specific requirements.

Legal effect: As a concurrent resolution, HCR 146 expresses the Legislature’s request but does not by itself obligate state funding or compel DHS action.

This resolution signals legislative priority to expand and simplify SNAP access for older adults and directs state DHS to pursue the federal mechanism (ESAP) to achieve that goal when DHS determines it is feasible.