Hawaiian Council Assisting OHA’s Emergency Fund

Hawaiian Council News Release

The Hawaiian Council is continuing its statewide effort to assist Native Hawaiian beneficiaries applying for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs I Ola: OHA’s Emergency Relief Fund.

The program, funded by OHA, is designed to support Native Hawaiian SNAP recipients without minor dependents who experienced financial hardship during the 2025 government shutdown. Eligible applicants may receive up to $350 in grocery stipend check, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. To date, more than $500,000 in grocery assistance has been distributed across the pae ʻāina.

Members of the Hawaiian Council outreach team will be on Molokai to provide in-person assistance to eligible Native Hawaiian residents. Services will be available in Central Molokai on Monday, March 2, followed by outreach in East and West Molokai on Tuesday, March 3.

Monday, March 2

• 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Department of Health (65 Makaena Place, Kaunakakai) 

Tuesday, March 3

• 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Manae Goods & Grindz (8615 Kamehameha V Hwy, Kaunakakai) 
• 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Maunaloa General Store (200 Mauna Loa Hwy, Maunaloa)

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must: 

• Be Native Hawaiian
• Live in Hawaii
• Be a SNAP recipient during the government shutdown (October-November 2025)
• Have no minor dependents

Applicants must also bring the following documents:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Proof of Hawaii residency
• Proof of Native Hawaiian ancestry
• Copy of SNAP benefits letter 

A dedicated informational briefing for interested Molokai residents will be held virtually on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. This session will provide an overview of Hawaiian Council and the I Ola Program ahead of the upcoming in-person outreach visit. Participants will learn about program details, eligibility requirements, what documents to bring, and how to obtain a paper application in advance if needed.

Register at hawaiiancouncil.org/molokaioutreach to attend the briefing. 

Community members who believe they may qualify are strongly encouraged to attend the in-person outreach event and bring all required documents. Hawaiian Council staff will be on site to assist applicants in determining eligibility and completing the application process. Individuals may also apply online in advance to receive pre-approval. Those who are pre-approved may pick up their grocery stipend check at the event. Grocery stipend checks will be provided while supplies last.

Visit www.hawaiiancouncil.org or call (808) 596-8155 for more information.