OHA reports $4.2 million to Maui this year, lists grants and emergency relief

Keeshawn Keishan Kikina, chief operating officer of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, told trustees at the Maui meeting on May 7 that OHA directed roughly $4,200,000 in funding to Maui during the last fiscal year, covering grants, loans and direct relief.

The figures were part of a broader update on OHA’s 15‑year strategic plan, which Kikina said centers on ‘ʻOhana (family), moʻomeheu (culture) and ʻāina (land and water). “The total amount of funding that touched the Island Of Maui from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs equates to $4,200,000 for this past fiscal year,” Kikina said.

Why it matters: the funding supports local recovery and cultural programming in a county still rebuilding from the August 2023 wildfires. Trustees heard specific awards and relief efforts that aim to assist beneficiaries and community organizations on Maui.

Details and recipients: Kikina named several grants and awards. He said Kapau Kua received $100,000 for youth and family programming; Maui Hui Malama received $410,000 to support services for youth ages 5–24; and the Maui Nui Makai Network received $200,000 for marine area planning in East Maui. OHA also reported roughly $200,000 in new personal and business loans to Native Hawaiian beneficiaries.

Kikina described direct relief programs tied to the wildfire response. He said an earlier Kaneahu Maui relief program provided $9,000 to affected homeowners and $4,000 to affected renters, and that a follow‑up distribution (Kaneahu 2) provided an additional $1,266 payment to about 713 beneficiaries. He added that the board held an emergency meeting in October 2025 and appropriated $6,100,000 to assist people affected by a federal government shutdown; those funds supported a $350 SNAP benefit and a $1,200 check for eligible beneficiaries, administered through a partner organization, the Hawaiian Council.

Trustees sought coordination: trustee Kalea Kauffman asked the county and OHA to share outreach materials for survivor resources so OHA offices statewide can direct beneficiaries appropriately. Kikina said OHA will collaborate with county partners and make materials available to trustees.

What’s next: Kikina said OHA is reassessing its strategic plan and will continue to publish data and program schedules; he offered to send trustees upcoming calendars and project details so local offices can plan events and assistance.

The board did not take additional formal action on the grants at this meeting; trustees moved on to other agenda items after the update.