AHO: Access to Home Ownership
To help expedite the application process, please review all instructions and guidelines before applying at the
link below.
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is pleased to introduce AHO (Access to Home Ownership). This brand-new deposit-backed PILOT program is designed to reduce barriers to home ownership for Native Hawaiians. OHA is working with American Savings Bank (ASB), the lender that will administer the mortgage process for this program.
In Hawaiian, aho (cordage or lashing) symbolizes the strong connections that hold a home together. Just as traditional hale relied on aho for stability, this program will help families secure their futures and stay rooted in Hawai‘i.
This pilot program is limited to $1.5 Million in available funds starting Thursday February 20, 2025.
*AHO is not a down payment assistance program and not a direct payment. OHA is using $1.5 million to guarantee portions of home loans financed by American Savings Bank (ASB) to eligible borrowers to help OHA beneficiaries qualify for mortgages with a lower down payment and no Private Mortgage Insurance.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Current Hawaiʻi resident
- Be verified through OHA’s Hawaiian Registry Program (HRP) – go to www.oha.org/hawaiian-registry
- First-time homebuyer
- Owner-occupant (the home will be the buyer’s primary residence)
What does the application process look like?
The AHO application process has three phases:
Phase 1 - Inquiry & Pre-Screening
Phase 2 - OHA Referral Letter
Phase 3 - Mortgage Pre-Qualification & Application with ASB
See the complete AHO Road Map here.
FAQs
What is the AHO program?
AHO is a deposit-backed* program that helps Native Hawaiians buy homes. Instead of needing a large down payment (usually 15–20%), eligible buyers can purchase a home with just 3% down — and no private mortgage insurance (PMI).
This makes monthly payments more affordable. Depending on the home price, that could save you about $250 to $800 per month in PMI costs alone.
*Savings will vary based on the purchase price of your home and loan approval factors determined by American Savings Bank.
What does “deposit-backed” mean?
“Deposit-backed” means OHA sets aside its own funds in a dedicated account at the bank. This money doesn’t go directly to you — instead, it acts as a financial guarantee that reduces risk for the bank to provide you a loan.
That support helps make it easier to qualify for a mortgage with a lower down payment and no PMI — making homeownership more accessible for Native Hawaiian families.
What does the AHO program offer?
Three key benefits:
- Lower down payment — Just 3% required (instead of 15–20%)
- No PMI — This cuts down your monthly mortgage payment by about $250–$800 per month, depending on the home price
- OHA-backed support — OHA pledges up to 17% of the home’s value to the bank as a guarantee
*Note: AHO is not a down payment assistance program. There’s no cash gift, no grant, and no direct payment to you. OHA’s pledge works behind the scenes with the bank — making it easier for you to get a loan by reducing your upfront costs and removing PMI.
Who qualifies for the AHO Program?
You may qualify if you:
- Are Native Hawaiian
- Haven’t owned a home in the last 3 years
- Plan to live in the home you’re buying
- Have a current OHA Hawaiian Registry Program (HRP) card
What happens after I apply?
Once you’re verified:
- You’ll be added to the AHO referral list
- When it’s your turn, OHA will send a referral letter to ASB
- An ASB loan officer will contact you to begin the mortgage process
My spouse owned a home in the last 3 years, but I haven’t. Can I still apply?
Yes — as long as you’re the one applying and your spouse isn’t on the loan or title.
Can I use this to buy a home on Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL)?
No, AHO doesn’t apply to DHHL loans because they already have their own guarantees. DHHL loans use specialized programs like HUD 184, FHA 247, or VA loans which offer lower costs, interest rates, and down payment options.
Because of how DHHL loan products are structured, they do not accept the AHO program. This is not OHA’s or ASB’s decision — it is simply how their loan programs are designed and regulated.
AHO supports beneficiaries who are not eligible for DHHL or who choose not to purchase through DHHL. For these families, AHO removes PMI costs, lowers monthly payments, and creates a new pathway to homeownership.
Can this be used to build a home or add a rental unit (ADU)?
No — this program is for buying a completed, move-in-ready home. It doesn’t support construction or ADU financing.
Can I use gift money or a grant to help with my down payment?
Yes. You must contribute at least 1% of the home price yourself. The rest of the 3% down can come from family gifts or outside assistance.
What if I don’t qualify right now?
No worries — if ASB says you’re not ready yet, they’ll explain why. Then they’ll connect you with trusted organizations like Hawaiian Community Assets (HCA) or Hawai‘i Home Ownership Center (HHOC) who can help you improve your credit or budget.
You’re welcome to come back for another ASB referral letter when you’re ready.
Do I have to pay OHA back or give up any part of my home?
No — you do not need to pay OHA back, and OHA does not place a lien on your home.
The support OHA provides is a financial guarantee to the bank, not a loan or grant to you. It’s designed to reduce your upfront costs — not add more.
What’s OHA’s role, and what does ASB handle?
- OHA helps make the loan more affordable by pledging funds to remove PMI and lower the down payment.
- ASB facilitates the entire home loan qualification process — from application and pre-approval to loan closing.
- OHA does not take part in your mortgage approval or underwriting decisions. If you have questions about your loan, ASB is your main point of contact.
Who can I talk to at the bank if I have more questions?
You can contact:
Lisa Carillo
Community Loan Officer, American Savings Bank
📧 Lisa.Carillo@asbhawaii.com
📞 (808) 306-0332
Need Kōkua?
Contact OHA for more information at 808-594-1835.
