May 19, 2026 – The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) plans to launch its Mālama Honua Disaster Fund (MHDF) on Friday, May 22. MHDF is a new program providing a limited number of $10,000 repair grants to eligible Native Hawaiian homeowners whose homes sustained minor damage during the March 2026 Kona low storm events.
The program is designed to help OHA beneficiaries address disaster-related cleanup and home repair needs for principal residences located in OHA-identified highly impacted communities throughout Hawaiʻi. The grants are intended for homes that remain safe to live in but require non-structural repairs or cleanup due to flooding, water damage, or other storm-related impacts.
“The Mālama Honua Disaster Fund reflects OHA’s commitment to supporting Native Hawaiian families as they recover from the devastating impacts of the flooding and storms in March,” said OHA Board of Trustess Chairperson Kaialiʻi Kahele. “Many homeowners continue to face significant financial burdens tied to cleanup and repairs, and this program is intended to help fill critical recovery gaps.”
The MHDF program is open to Native Hawaiian homeowners who are not otherwise eligible for OHA’s March 2026 Kona Low General Disaster Assistance Program facilitated by Hawaiian Council. Applicants must provide verifiable quotes, invoices, or other acceptable cost documentation for repairs or cleanup necessitated by the storms.
Eligible applicants must:
Applicants will be required to submit documentation including identification, homeownership, principal residency, photos and descriptions of storm damage, contractor estimates or invoices, and a completed W-9 form.
OHA will use available storm impact data and recovery indicators to ensure grant awards are distributed fairly and proportionately across impacted islands and communities.
