OHA Providing $15K to Native Hawaiians Affected by Kona Low

OHA News Release

Native Hawaiian families impacted by the March 2026 Kona Low storms and flooding will soon have access to direct financial assistance through a new disaster relief program launched by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and administered by the Hawaiian Council.

The OHA March 2026 Kona Low General Disaster Assistance Program will provide more than $1 million in direct financial assistance to eligible Native Hawaiian homeowners and renters whose primary residences sustained major damage or were destroyed during the storms, including grants of up to $15,000 for eligible homeowners and up to $7,500 for eligible renters.  

“This disaster relief program reflects OHA’s commitment to care for our people in times of need,” said Kaialiʻi Kahele, chair of OHA. “It is one part of a broader recovery effort, and we will continue standing with affected communities statewide as additional resources and support are made available in the weeks ahead.”

An initial needs assessment conducted by the Hawaiian Council underscores the scale of need across impacted communities. Of more than 900 respondents, 86% reported having no flood insurance, leaving many families responsible for the full cost of repairs and recovery. Among more than 600 respondents who identified as Native Hawaiian, approximately 39% reported their homes were destroyed or sustained major damage.

“Weeks after the storm, many families are still trying to figure out how to recover and rebuild,” Hawaiian Council CEO Kūhiō Lewis said. “For households without flood insurance or the financial means to absorb these losses, the challenges can feel overwhelming. This assistance is intended to help families stabilize, recover, and begin to move forward.” 

The Hawaiian Council will administer the program and provide application assistance and outreach on Molokai, O‘ahu and Maui. 

OHA’s partnership with the Hawaiian Council helps to ensure that assistance reaches communities quickly and effectively. 

“We know recovery can feel overwhelming for families who are still navigating damage, disruption, and uncertainty,” said Summer Lee Haunani Sylva, OHA’s interim chief administrator/CEO. “We are grateful to work alongside community partners like Hawaiian Council, who know our communities well and are helping bring this assistance closer to the people it is intended to serve.”

Applicants are encouraged to gather documentation related to residency, property occupancy, and storm-related damage before applying. Assistance will be available for individuals needing help completing applications.

Applications may be submitted online or in person. Visit kakoomai.org/oha for online applications. In-person application assistance will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Molokai Cares, 55 Makaena Place in Kaunakakai.