Hawaii has joined a coalition of 22 other state attorneys general and three governors in filing a lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its Secretary, Brooke Rollins. The lawsuit challenges the USDA’s suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Attorney General Anne Lopez stated, “The unlawful suspension of SNAP benefits jeopardizes food security for thousands of Hawaiʻi residents who rely on this lifeline every day. Our office is committed to protecting the rights of families and individuals who depend on this program.”
The federal government entered a shutdown on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass an appropriation bill for the new fiscal year. On October 10, the USDA informed state SNAP agencies that if the shutdown continued, there would not be enough funds to pay full November SNAP benefits to millions across the country.
Despite these warnings, coalition members argue that the USDA has access to billions in contingency funds specifically allocated by Congress for SNAP. They note that while emergency funds have been used for other programs during this shutdown, SNAP has not received similar support. This decision could leave millions without assistance needed to purchase food.
According to the Hawaii Department of Human Services, an average of 161,400 people in Hawaii received SNAP benefits each month in 2025. This includes about 27,910 families and 62,647 children. Between October 2024 and September 2025, approximately $57.7 million per month was distributed in Hawaii through SNAP to help meet basic nutritional needs.
The coalition warns that suspending benefits will have significant effects nationwide. The lapse could increase pressure on local governments and community organizations as more families turn to emergency services and food pantries already facing high demand. Schools and universities may also see rising food insecurity among students. Additionally, grocers and merchants accepting SNAP payments could experience negative economic impacts; USDA estimates suggest every dollar in SNAP generates $1.54 in economic activity.
The group plans to file a motion for a temporary restraining order seeking immediate restoration of benefits. While states administer SNAP locally, funding levels are set by the federal government. The coalition argues that suspending benefits violates both statutory requirements and administrative law because Congress intended for SNAP payments to continue even during a government shutdown.
Attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin joined Attorney General Lopez in filing the lawsuit. Governors from Kansas, Kentucky and Pennsylvania also participated.
For further details about how these changes affect Hawaii or information about available food resources in the state visit the Department of Human Services webpage here.
