Hawaii DHS Offers SNAP Replacement Benefits After Kona Low Storm Damage

Kauaʻi SNAP recipients who lost food when the March 2026 Kona low knocked out power or flooded their homes have a narrow window to recover those losses: the Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services is accepting replacement benefit claims statewide, but applicants must submit a written statement within 10 days of the storm incident.

The reimbursement covers food purchased with SNAP benefits that was destroyed during extended power outages or flooding. The replacement amount is calculated on the estimated value of food lost and is capped at the household's total monthly SNAP allotment, meaning a family that receives $400 per month cannot claim more than $400 regardless of actual spoilage.

Claimants do not need a special form. DHS requires a written statement that includes the SNAP participant's name, an estimate of the value of food destroyed, a description of what occurred and when, and contact information for the participant. A sample form is posted on the DHS website for those who want a template, though recipients may submit their own version.

On Kauaʻi, written statements can be dropped off at the DHS Processing Center at 3059 ʻUmi St. in Līhuʻe, which is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Submissions can also be made at any DHS Processing Center statewide. Once received, statements are reviewed and validated before replacement benefits are issued.

The Kona low struck with particular force on March 13, when downed trees blocked roads across Kailua and power outages stretched across the islands. Nearly 85,000 Hawaii households rely on SNAP to buy food, and for those who lost refrigerated or frozen groceries during days without electricity, the replacement program represents a direct offset against storm costs that typically fall on families without other recourse.

DHS has not announced how long the review and validation process will take before approved replacement benefits appear on EBT cards.