STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
BENEFIT, EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Pursuant to sections 91-3 and 92-41, Hawaii Revised Statutes, notice is hereby given that the Department of Human Services (DHS) will hold a public hearing to consider the proposed new rules chapter 17-686.1, Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program, of the Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division, for the purpose of program establishment and continuity.
This proposed chapter is substantially based on emergency rules chapter 17-686, Summer EBT Program, and are accordance with federal regulations and state statutes. Brief descriptions of the proposed rules are listed below.
Chapter 17-686.1 Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program
1. §17-686.1-1, Purpose. This section states this chapter will establish the administration and implementation of the Summer EBT benefits for eligible children during the summer.
2. §17-686.1-2, Definitions. This section provides definitions as used in the chapter.
3. §17-686.1-3, Eligibility. This section specifies the eligibility requirements of the program.
4. §17-686.1-4, Application processing. This section describes the requirements for the summer operational period and application processing.
5. §17-686.1-5, Disposition notification for Summer EBT payments. This section describes how the department will notify applicants or eligible households and notices provided.
6. §17-686.1-6, Benefit Issuance. This section describes how benefits will be issued by the department or department’s designee.
7. §17-686.1-7, Verification. This section describes the verification requirements and process the department or department’s designee will follow.
8. §17-686.1-8, Administrative hearing request. This section describes the conditions, process, and timeframe for a household to request an administrative hearing.
9. §17-686.1-9, Overpayment and fraud. This section describes how an overpayment is determined and recovered.
10. §17-686.1-10, Denial or reduction of Summer EBT benefits for insufficient funds. This section specifies when the department or department’s designee may deny or reduce payments when there are insufficient funds for Summer EBT payments and issuing public notice of such.
A public hearing will be held on:
Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
This will be a virtual event using Microsoft Teams.
There are two ways to participate in the public hearing: online via the internet or by telephone conference call, or by written testimony. All interested persons are invited to attend the virtual hearing and present relevant information to state their views relative to the proposed rules either orally or in writing for the department to consider.
Online via Internet or Telephone Conference Call: Persons may present live video/oral testimony via internet or telephone during the online public hearing. To participate, you will need either a computer with internet access, video camera, and microphone, or a telephone. To attend, please email your request at least 48 hours in advance to: bessd_fsp_mailbox@dhs.hawaii.gov to request the weblink to attend the virtual hearing via video conference call through Microsoft Teams. Please include your email. full name. and phone number. A confirmation will be sent to you with instructions. the meeting link. and callin number.
Written Testimony: Should written testimony be presented, one (1) copy shall be made available to the presiding officer at the public hearing or within seven (7) days before the hearing to:
Department of Human Services
Attn: Scott Nakasone
Benefit, Employment & Support Services Division
1010 Richards Street, Suite 512
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
If written testimony would be provided without attending the public hearing, written testimony must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
A copy of the proposed rules will be available via the DHS website: http://humanservices.hawaii.gov/admin-rules-2/proposed-rules/ or by calling {808) 586-5720 during regular business days and hours, Monday through Friday excluding state holidays, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to request a copy at NO COST to any interested person, or by writing to:
Department of Human Services
Benefit, Employment & Support Services Division
1010 Richards Street, Suite 512
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
If you need any auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Office at {808) 586-5720 or bessd_fsp_mailbox@dhs.hawaii.gov as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request.
Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.
RYAN I. YAMANE, DIRECTOR
(SA, TGI, HTH, WHT 1469151 9/24/24)
