Kūkulu Kahua Emergency Financial Assistance Program

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) has awarded Hawaiian Community Assets (HCA) a $1.66 million Community Grant to administer the Kūkulu Kahua Emergency Financial Assistance Program. This statewide initiative will provide critical support for Native Hawaiian families facing urgent financial hardship.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment by both organizations to uplift Native Hawaiian ʻohana during times of crisis and build toward long-term financial stability.

“At the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, we understand that the wellbeing of our Lāhui begins with the stability and dignity of each ʻohana,” said OHA CEO Stacy Ferreira. “Through the Kūkulu Kahua Emergency Financial Assistance Program, OHA is committed to provide not only urgent financial relief but also pathways to long-term stability and healing. This investment reflects our deep kuleana to uplift our people in times of hardship and to stand as a trusted source of support.”

HCA, a HUD-certified housing counseling agency with 25 years of service to Hawaiʻi communities, will administer the program and deliver culturally grounded financial assistance to eligible OHA beneficiaries. Kūkulu Kahua offers one-time support for emergency needs—such as rent, utilities, and funeral expenses—paired with access to financial counseling and wraparound services designed to empower families on their journey toward economic resilience.

“This partnership with OHA recognizes that impactful solutions come from within our communities,” said Chelsie Evans Enos, Executive Director of Hawaiian Community Assets. “Together, we are responding to immediate needs while building the foundation for stronger, more resilient Native Hawaiian households.”

For more information and to apply, visit www.hawaiiancommunity.net/kukulukahua.

Kūkulu Kahua Emergency Financial Assistance Program Requirements 

Applicants must meet the following qualifications:

• Must be Native Hawaiian;
• At least 18 years old;
• Experiencing an emergency financial need; and
• Meet basic income and residency guidelines.

What Can the Funds Be Used For?

Kūkulu Kahua funds can be used towards:

• One-time emergency financial assistance (such as rent, utilities, and funeral expenses, etc.)

Kūkulu Kahua will also help you stabilize and move forward with:

• Free financial counseling
• Wraparound support tailored to your needs

Requirements to Receive Funds

Native Hawaiian applicants will be required to submit the following documents with their applications to considered for Kūkulu Kahua Emergency Assistance:

• Copy of Picture ID
• Native Hawaiian Verification (Birth certificate, OHA Hawaiian Registry Card, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands verification, Kamehameha Schools Hoʻoulu verification)
• Commitment to 3 follow up meetings with HCA Specialist