The Hawaii National Guard has been has been activated to support statewide relief efforts and large-scale community food distribution programs in the wake of the record-setting federal government shutdown and the legal battle over food aid benefits , according to state officials.

Gov. Josh Green and Lt. Gov Sylvia Luke requested that Adjutant General Stephen F. Logan place Hawaii Army National Guard members on active duty status as of this morning to assist operations in every county, according to a news release from the governor’s office.

Guard members have already helped transport food donations collected through the Kokua Food Drive at state library branches to food banks for distribution to families in need, officials said.

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