NEWS RELEASE
Date:
November 21, 2025
Contact:
Marc Inouye
Government & Public Affairs
Phone: (808) 352-2479
Email: minouye@parpacific.com
Nathan Hokama
Strategic Communication Solutions
Phone: (808) 226-7470
Email: nhokama@scsolutions-hi.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Par Hawaii and Hele Stores Hold Fundraiser for Food Banks Across the State
to Support Hawaii Residents Who May Be Impacted by
Changes in SNAP Benefits Eligibility Requirements
Honolulu, Hawaii — The 165,000 Hawaii residents who depend upon SNAP benefits can breathe a temporary sigh of relief now that the 43-day federal government shutdown is over and SNAP benefits have been restored, but recent changes in SNAP eligibility requirements may be making many uneasy.
Par Hawaii and Hele stores are taking action to avert a hunger crisis in the state by holding a fundraiser for the Hawaii Foodbank on Oahu and the other food banks in the other counties. Now through Dec. 14, when customers make fuel or convenience store purchases at participating Hele stations on Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii Island, they will be asked to consider making a financial donation to these essential organizations. Donations accepted on each island will remain on that island. The first $10,000 will be matched dollar for dollar to encourage more participation.
“We know there are a lot of Hawaii residents in need—our neighbors, family and friends—and we wanted to do something meaningful to help,” said John Peyton, Par Hawaii’s vice president of retail. “Over the first few days, the campaign has already raised over $5,000. Thank you for helping us Feed Hawaii.”
Since the eligibility for SNAP benefits now require beneficiaries to work part time, at least 20 hours a week, Peyton added that those interested in a position at the Hele stations are welcome to complete and submit a job application at the Par Hawaii website at: parhawaii.com/careers/
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About Par Hawaii
Par Hawaii is the state’s leading provider of transportation fuels. It is headquartered in Honolulu and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Houston, Texas-based Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. [NYSE: PARR]. Par Hawaii owns the state’s only petroleum refinery in Kapolei, Oahu, and is investing $100 million to reconfigure one of the refinery’s processing units to produce renewable fuels from plant-based and waste oils. Par Hawaii’s statewide fuel distribution system includes pipelines on Oahu and storage facilities on all major neighbor islands. It markets gasoline, diesel, and biodiesel through its network of 76 and Hele retail stations throughout Hawaii, and operates the Hele convenience stores. Visit www.ParHawaii.com.