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GM 1121

Informing the Legislature that on May 21, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2310 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 021).

2026 Regular Session

Provides emergency funding to DHS to replenish 2025 food-security costs and establishes ongoing premium-assistance funding to prevent gaps in health coverage for residents.

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Bill Summary · GM 1121

Overview

GM 1121 (HB 2310 CD1, Act 021) is the Hawaii law that informs the legislature that the Governor signed HB 2310 into law on May 21, 2026. The act comprises three parts addressing emergency funding related to the federal government shutdown (2025), health care coverage-related costs, and ongoing funding for premium assistance to reduce uncompensated care.

Main purpose and intent

  • Provide emergency general-fund funding to cover costs incurred by the Department of Human Services (DHS) in responding to the 2025 federal government shutdown, which affected SNAP benefits, food security, and related services.
  • Establish funding to support health insurance premium contributions for residents who may lose federal coverage due to changes at the federal level, aiming to reduce financial strain on health-care providers who could otherwise provide unpaid emergency services.
  • Allocate ongoing funding ( Fiscal Year 2026-2027) to support premium assistance under the state program to mitigate coverage gaps and maintain access to care.

Key provisions and changes

Part I – Emergency appropriation to DHS for food security

  • Finds that the 2025 federal government shutdown disrupted SNAP benefits and federal grant access; DHS redirected state funds and received transfers from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
  • Allocates general funds to replenish remaining balances of 2025-2026 appropriations that were redirected to support food security.
  • Specific appropriation: $14,248,126 in general funds for FY 2025-2026 to DHS to cover emergency food assistance costs, including:
    • $11,807,126 for Hawaii Emergency Food Assistance Program (HEFAP)
    • $2,000,000 to support the Hawaii Food Bank for purchase and distribution of food
    • $441,000 to Aloha United Way for 211 call center support
  • Result: Replenishes funds so DHS can meet obligations and avoid penalties/interest.

Part II – Health insurance premium assistance to stabilize care

  • Recognizes policy shifts at the federal level that may cause many residents to lose health insurance coverage.
  • Purpose: Provide funds to supplement premium contributions for participating health plans to reduce the financial burden on health-care providers who might otherwise incur uncompensated emergency care.
  • Section 5 (new appropriation): $16,500,000 for FY 2026-2027 to DHS to carry out Part II.

Part III – Effective date

  • General provision: Act takes effect upon approval.
  • Part II (premium assistance) takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Who or what is affected

  • Department of Human Services (DHS): Receives emergency general-fund appropriation for food security-related activities and ongoing funding for premium assistance.
  • Hawaii residents relying on SNAP/HEFAP: Benefit from continued support amid disruptions from the federal shutdown and subsequent policy changes.
  • Hawaii Food Bank and 211 call center (Aloha United Way): Directly funded for food distribution and call-center operations.
  • Health-care providers: Potentially relieved of uncompensated care burdens due to premium assistance funding.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon approval by the Governor (May 21, 2026).
  • Part II effective date: July 1, 2026.
  • Fiscal year references: FY 2025-2026 funds were redirected; the act appropriates funds for FY 2025-2026 (replenishment) and FY 2026-2027 (premium assistance).

Summary of fiscal impact

  • Emergency food assistance replenishment: $14,248,126 (general funds) for FY 2025-2026.
  • HEFAP and related food-security-related expenditures: Included within the emergency appropriation.
  • Premium assistance: $16,500,000 (general funds) for FY 2026-2027.
  • Overall effect: Additional general fund appropriations to DHS to stabilize food security programs and health-care premium support, reducing risk of penalties and ensuring continued access to food and health services.

If you’d like, I can provide a concise one-page briefing tailored for policymakers or a plain-language summary for the public.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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