AHO: Access to Home Ownership
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.
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?
- Inquiry & Pre-Screening – Interested applicants contact OHA, and a Beneficiary Services Agent (BSA) verifies their eligibility (HRP registration and Hawaiʻi State residency).
- OHA Referral Letter – Once eligibility is verified, OHA provides an official referral letter introducing the applicant to the ASB Loan Officer.
- Mortgage Pre-Qualification & Application – The applicant completes ASB’s home loan pre-qualification process.
Secured Loan & Home Purchase – When the approved applicant has found a home to purchase, they secure their mortgage through ASB with an OHA deposit-backed loan, meaning they can complete the loan process with as little as 3% down.
Need Kōkua?
Contact OHA for more information at 808-594-1835.
