A recent UH report likens Hawaiʻi’s economy to that of West Virginia — another place being “left behind.”

Hawaiʻi is one of 22 states that have called the USDA’s demand for food stamp recipients’ information unprecedented and unlawful.

In 2012, lawmakers tried to get a handle on unexpectedly high pensions by billing state and county employers. In most cases, it’s only gotten worse.

The governor also says he will likely tap into the state’s “rainy day” reserve to draw down hundreds of millions of dollars to balance the state budget.

The term helps explain an unusually muddy and convoluted period for the U.S. economy. 

The report was produced at a time when food security was bad in Hawaiʻi. But now, advocates say, it’s even worse.

The new program is in addition to one that is helping with housing and utility payments for four months.

Applications for one aid fund open today. Details are still being worked out for another, which is specifically for Native Hawaiians.

While the state government formalizes its plans to help SNAP recipients, local assistance organizations are stepping up, too.

While their constituents worry about services during the government shutdown, U.S. House members haven’t convened since Sept. 19.