Mahiʻai Micro Fund Program
About the Program
The OHA Mahiʻai Micro Fund provides direct financial support to Native Hawaiian farming businesses across Hawaiʻi to address urgent agricultural challenges, including the impacts of the 2026 Kona low weather events.
This program helps farmers recover, stabilize, and sustain their operations while increasing local food production, strengthening food security and improving economic resilience in Native Hawaiian communities. By investing in Native Hawaiian farmers, the fund supports the long-term vitality of Hawaiʻi’s agricultural systems and communities.
The program is administered in partnership with Hawaiian Council, which manages the application review and award process.
Eligibility Requirements
This program is for you if:
- You are a Native Hawaiian business owner verified through the Hawaiian Registry Program (HRP)
- You own and operate a farming business that produces food or agricultural products
- You are actively engaged in agricultural production in Hawaiʻi
- You intend to use funds to support your farming operations
Application Period: May 1 – May 15, 2026
Notification of Award: By June 15, 2026
How to Apply
Applying is simple and takes place in two phases.
Phase 1: Apply
Phase 1: Apply
Step 1: Submit Your Interest Form
Tell us you’re interested in the program.
Step 2: Verify Your Native Hawaiian Status (HRP)
Apply for or renew your Hawaiian Registry Program (HRP) status.
Step 3: Complete the Mahiʻai Survey Application (sent after Interest Form submission)
Share information about your farming activities. (Takes about 20 minutes.)
Important: To be considered for funding, you must complete both:
- HRP verification
- The full Mahiʻai Survey Application
Incomplete applications will not be eligible for funding.
What Happens Next
OHA will review your information and notify you if you are eligible. If eligible, you will receive a referral to Hawaiian Council to continue your application.
Phase 2: Get Connected
Phase 2: Get Connected
Step 4: Connect with Hawaiian Council
You will receive instructions to continue your application.
Step 5: Submit Required Documents
Provide the necessary documentation to complete your application.
Step 6: Application Review
Hawaiian Council will:
- Review your application
- Assess eligibility and level of need
- Conduct impact assessments (if affected by Kona Low events)
- Provide case management support, if needed
You will be notified once the review process is complete.
Funding & Timeline
- Up to $5,000 for applicants impacted by recent Kona Low events
- Up to $3,000 for applicants not impacted
- Award notifications by June 15
Ready to Apply?
IMPORTANT: Awards will be distributed based on eligibility and funding tier.
