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Consumer Micro-Loan Program (CMLP)

Consumer Micro-Loan Program

Loan Information
Credit & Eligibility Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions for Application
More Information


The Consumer Micro-Loan Program (CMLP) is designed to provide low cost loans to Native Hawaiians who are experiencing temporary financial hardship due to unforeseen events, or who wish to enhance their careers.


LOAN INFORMATION

  • Loans available up to $7,500.
  • Interest rate fixed at 5%.
  • Loan terms up to 60 months.
  • Collateral not required.
  • No gross annual income limit.

EXAMPLES OF LOANS

Allowable loans:

  • Death in the family
  • Emergency Health situation
  • Unexpected home or auto repairs
  • CDL License
  • Apprentice Programs
  • Career development courses

Unallowable loans:

  • Debt consolidation or refinancing
  • Vacation
  • Investment
  • Re-lending by borrower
  • Home remodeling

 

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CREDIT & ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • Applicant must be of Native Hawaiian ancestry
  • Applicant must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the State of Hawaii
  • Applicant should have a satisfactory credit history and the ability to repay the loan
  • Loan must be for applicant’s benefit
  • Loans are available to individuals only. Partnerships, corporations, sole proprietorships, etc., are excluded.

 

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is a Micro-Loan and why is it different from a regular loan?

A Micro-Loan is a small loan made by an organization trying to help the community. Micro-loans are usually smaller than regular consumer loans that a typical bank would make, and usually have a lower interest rate. Our program has a flat 5% interest rate for all loans we make. 2. What is a primary applicant? The primary applicant is the first person listed on the CMLP application. This is the person which will derive a direct benefit from the loan proceeds.

3. What is a guarantor?  

A guarantor is a person who guarantees payment of a financial obligation like a loan. They have a legal duty to fulfill the debt if the primary borrower defaults.

4. Since I am Hawaiian, and I guaranteed a loan from CMLP?

As a native Hawaiian, you are eligible to apply for a low interest consumer loan; however, you also have to qualify based on our program requirements. When submitting an application, please provide proof of Hawaiian ancestry.

Examples of proof of ancestry include (but not limited to):

A. Birth certificate. If your birth certificate does not indicate Hawaiian ancestry, please provide a copy of your parents birth certificate; and
B. OHA Hawaiian Registry Card

5. Does the CMLP allow loan requests for refinancing, debt consolidation or mortgage closing costs?  

No. Due to a limited funding base and our current guidelines, this program is geared to those with temporary financial hardship and career development opportunities.  

6. How can we get an application?

There are three (3) ways to receive an application.
A. www.oha.org
B. By Mail- Call, write, or email a request an application
C. In person at any OHA office
Unfortunately at this time, due to the high volume of requests for information, we are not able to fax applications.

7. How will applications be processed?

Applications will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility with regard to the program requirements. Next, all complete applications will be date and time stamped and faxed/mailed directly to the OHA loan officer for review. Incomplete applications will not be processed until all necessary information is received. Complete Applications will be processed in the order received of the date and time stamped.

8. How fast can loans be approved and funds disbursed?

As the program is geared toward emergencies and short term financial hardship, we make every effort to process applications as quickly as possible. Complete applications are usually processed the same day they are received. Once an application has been approved, documents can be signed and funds can be disbursed usually within one business week.

9. I live on an outer island. Do I have to come to Oahu for the loan closing?

No. OHA’s Neighbor Island staff will be asked to assist in the loan closings for outer-island applicants. Our staff is trained on the loan closing and disbursement procedures and specific loan instructions will be provided to the OHA staff for each borrower.  

10. Can I (the borrower) make loan payments via a payroll deduction?

No. At this time, OHA cannot process loan payments via payroll deductions.

 

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION

If you meet the eligibility requirements and would like to apply for a Consumer Micro Loan from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, please submit a completed application form along with proof of your Native Hawaiian ancestry (birth certificate or OHA registration card) From the Neighbor Islands, visit or call any OHA office (listed below) for an application form. CMLP loan application forms may also be requested via e-mail from This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 594-1916.

You will be contacted later for supporting documents including proof of income and an estimate for loan purpose. Download: CMLP loan application form (.pdf)

COMPLETED APPLICATIONS MAY BE SUBMITTED OR MAILED TO:

O’ahu:
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Attn: Quentin Flores
711 Kapi’olani Blvd. Ste 500
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 594-1752

Kaua’i:
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
2970 Kele St.,Ste 113
Lihu’e HI  96766
(808)241-3390

Maui:
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
360 Papa Pl., Ste 105
Kahului, HI  96732
(808) 873-3364

Moloka‘i:
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
P.O. Box 1717
Kaunakakai, Hi 96748
(808) 553-3611

East Hawai’i (Hilo):
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
162 A Baker Avenue
Hilo, Hi  96720
(808) 920-6418

West Hawai’i (Kona):
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
75-5706 Hanama Place Ste.107
Kailua-Kona, HI  96740
(808) 329-7368

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CONTACT US

Please forward your questions and inquiries to your local OHA office or to:

Quentin Flores
Consumer Micro Loan Officer
711 Kapiolani Blvd, Ste 500
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 594-1916



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