OHA details $9.3 million in Kauai grants, urges role in upcoming military lease talks

Interim Administrator Summer Silva told the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board during a Kauai community meeting on May 14 that OHA distributed $9,300,000 to 15 grantees on Kauai in fiscal 2026 and highlighted investments in education, workforce and cultural programs.

"These investments amount to support for educational pathways, cultural restoration, healing and food sovereignty," Silva said, listing grants to community-driven initiatives and training programs. She said one trades academy received $400,000 and that several Hawaiian-focused charter schools received roughly $353,000 each.

Silva described loan and disaster-relief programs the board has supported, including a Native Hawaiian revolving loan fund and emergency aid distributed after recent federal disruptions and natural disasters. She said OHA has provided direct assistance and described three upcoming programs that focus on minor home repairs, farm relief and an appliance-replacement grants program that would provide up to $2,000 gift-card awards statewide.

On land stewardship and revenue, Silva said several military leases statewide will expire between 2029 and 2031 and that OHA receives revenue from lands subject to those leases. "Any negotiation around these leases in 2026 through 2029 when they expire needs to include the Office of Hawaiian Affairs at the table," she said, urging beneficiary representation in negotiations to protect cultural and environmental resources as well as revenue streams that fund OHA programs.

Trustees and staff asked clarifying questions and thanked community partners; one trustee also raised signage and place-name recognition while describing recent site visits. Silva encouraged community groups to use OHA programs and pointed attendees to technical assistance resources for loan navigation.

The board moved on to community presentations after the update. The meeting adjourned later that evening following a recorded roll call.