Office of Hawaiian Affairs Activates $3.96 Million in Disaster Aid to Support Communities Impacted by Severe Rains and Floods

HONOLULU, HI (March 25, 2025) – The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Board of Trustees has approved the activation of approximately $3.96 million in disaster aid to support Native Hawaiian households and communities impacted by the recent devastating floods and rains across the state.

“OHA is committed to standing with our lāhui in times of crisis,” said Kaialiʻi Kahele, Chair of the OHA Board of Trustees. “The storm damage and flooding have caused significant hardship for many families across our islands. By activating these resources quickly and strategically, we are ensuring that our communities have access to immediate relief, recovery support, and pathways to rebuild with dignity and resilience. This action mobilizes OHA’s disaster aid framework to deliver immediate relief and targeted support to those most affected across the pae ʻāina.”

The Board approved the funding today in an emergency meeting.  It will be distributed through a combination of emergency assistance, direct grants, and home repair support:

• Redirecting I Ola Emergency Aid (up to $3.3 million):
  Through a contract amendment with Hawaiian Council, OHA will reallocate existing funds to provide:
  • Up to $2.9 million to support verified Native Hawaiian households in highly impacted areas
  • Up to $100,000 to support community resource hubs statewide
  • Up to $300,000 in assistance for federal civilian workers affected by the Department of Homeland Security shutdown (e.g., TSA Agents)

• Direct Disaster Aid Grants ($410,000):
  Funding will provide direct financial assistance to eligible Native Hawaiian households in impacted regions.

• Mālama Honua Home Repair Grants ($250,000):
  Grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 to support necessary home repairs resulting from storm damage for qualified households who provide verified repair estimates or invoices.

Details on applications for Disaster Aid Grants and Mālama Honua repair grants will be made available soon.