Hawaii National Guard activated to distribute food after federal shutdown halted SNAP benefits.

The Hawaii National Guard has been activated to support emergency food distribution across the state amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has suspended SNAP benefits. Governor Josh Green and Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke requested the activation, leading to Guard members assisting with transporting food from libraries to food banks and supporting distribution events at Leeward Community College and Aloha Stadium. Their duties include traffic control, logistics, and supply delivery. The Guard will remain on active duty as needed, receiving state pay while serving under state active duty status to ensure continued food access for residents affected by the federal program's suspension.