#U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA calls for 2.3% hike in SNAP benefits to reflect food costs in islands
Proposal would provide a $40 monthly increase in benefits a family of 4 in Hawai‘i receives through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, often still referred to as food stamps.
DA BUX gets big bucks from USDA
The Food Basket, Hawaiʻi Island’s Food Bank, awarded $8.4 million to extend program through end of 2026, benefiting SNAP participants and local farmers statewide.
Adult Coconut Rhinoceros beetles caught in traps set out in Waikōloa
The first adult beetle collected last week was caught in a camera trap at the Hawaiian Earth Recycling facility near the West Hawai‘i Sanitary Landfill.
State accepting proposals for specialty crop grants
Eligible applicants include nonprofit and for-profit organizations, universities, individuals and , local, state and federal government entities. Applicants must reside in or their business or educational affiliation must be registered in Hawai‘i.
USDA begins process of updating SNAP benefits in Hawai‘i to reflect high food costs
On Thursday, the federal agriculture department began seeking information from Hawai‘i stakeholders about food costs and how SNAP can better serve the state’s communities. Information gathering will continue through March 4.
U.S. Department of Agriculture grants $533,000 to Hawaiʻi for specialty crops
The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded $533,251 to Hawai‘i under the 2023 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program for eight projects that support ornamental cut flowers and eucalyptus, and the propagation of papaya crops.
USDA partners with local lender to expand access to homes in rural Hawaiʻi
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has entered into an agreement with Hawaiʻi Community Lending to expand access to homes in rural Hawaʻi for low and very-low income residents.
Rare Mongoose on Kauaʻi captured at Nawiliwili Harbor
While mongoose populations are well-established on the Big island, O‘ahu, Maui and Moloka‘i, the Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee continues to successfully prevent the animal from gaining a foothold on the Garden Isle.
USDA Forest Service awards grants to 4 Big Island communities for mitigating wildfires
The Community Wildfire Defense Grants for the Big Island will be used to update four Community Wildfire Protection Plans that are seven to eight years old.
Elusive skunk captured in Hilo by resident trapping mongoose with teriyaki chicken bait
While attempting to catch mongoose on his property in the Keaukaha area, Hilo resident Chris Owens caught a skunk, which are prohibited in Hawai’i.
Nearly $5 Million Coming to State for School Meals
The federal government is providing funds to boost school meal programs in Hawai’i.
Legislature Provides $2.3M in Support for Community College Students
Paying for a college education has become too expensive for many people, and students who are at an economic disadvantage are disproportionately affected.
Hawai‘i Legislature Funds HINET
The Hawai‘i State Legislature has approved $455,000 for each of the next two fiscal years for Hawai‘i Nutrition Employment and Training (HINET).
