Bill > HB1747

This bill requires the Department of Human Services to seek and implement waivers or extensions from the federal government, specifically the United States Department of Agriculture, to prevent the purchase of sugary drinks and candy using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which are federal funds designed to help low-income individuals and families buy food. The bill defines "candy" as any confectionery product primarily made of sugar, sweeteners, or chocolate, and "sugary drink" as any non-alcoholic beverage with more than ten grams of sugar per serving, excluding those containing milk, milk substitutes, or more than fifty percent vegetable or fruit juice. If a waiver is not immediately granted, the department must resubmit the request annually until approved, and must also adopt rules to implement these changes and report annually to the legislature on the status of waiver requests, the specific foods made ineligible, and the impacts of these changes.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1747&year=2026