$6.1M OHA emergency relief funds to help Native Hawaiians impacted by fed gov’t shutdown

Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees recently approved a plan to expend up to $6.1 million in emergency assistance funds help Native Hawaiians impacted by the federal government shutdown.

“When our people need help the most, [Office of Hawaiian Affairs] will be there for them,” said Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees Chairman Kaialiʻi “Kai” Kahele in a release announcing the agency’s move.

The plan calls for the agency to make payments of up to $350 to:

• Low-income kūpuna beneficiaries (at least 60 years old).
• Disabled beneficiaries who receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP and commonly referred to as food stamps, but are excluded from the state’s Hawai’i Relief Program.

“We believe we’re targeting two groups of our beneficiaries who might otherwise be inadequately served or fall through the cracks of other relief programs,” said Office of Hawaiian Affairs Interim Chief Executive Officer Summer Sylva in the announcement. “When Hawaiians help Hawaiians, our aloha and pilina deepen. By caring for those most in need, we strengthen our lāhui for this moment — and for all that lies ahead.”

Native Hawaiian furloughed federal civilian workers earning no more than 400% of the federal poverty level also will be eligible to receive payments of up to $1,200.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs plans to provide money to nearly 15,000 of its most vulnerable beneficiaries through the $6.1 million in relief funds that those who receive them can use to buy food and pay for essential household needs.

The assistance application period opens Nov. 10, with the Hawaiian Council managing intake and verification.

Beneficiaries can visit the Office of Hawaiian Affairs website or email to kokua@oha.org for additional information.