Hawaii residents enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will see a 13.6 percent increase in their monthly cash benefits starting April 1 because of the economic stimulus package, the state said today in a news release.

The program, called SNAP, used to be known as the Hawaii Food Stamp Program. It is administered by the state Department of Human Services and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the state.

About 110,000 people in Hawaii receive food aid.

DHS director Lillian Koller urged eligible residents to apply for the benefit. "Sometimes people are reluctant to apply because they mistakenly regard SNAP as welfare," Koller said in a statement. "SNAP is part of a national safety net against hunger in keeping with the USDA's mission of improving the health and well-being of low-income people."

Currently, an eligible three-member household receives a maximum of $725 per month in nutrition benefits. when the higher payments take effect, the same household will get $824.

To apply for nutrition benefits, call DHS at (808) 643-1643.