OHA presents Kauai funding highlights, disaster relief and program investments

Interim Administrator Summer Silva delivered a presentation summarizing the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ recent investments and programs in Kauai, linking those expenditures to OHA’s Mana'i Maoli Ola strategic plan and to community feedback gathered at recent island meetings.

Silva reported that "approximately $9,300,000 has been funded to 15 grantees providing services on Kauai," and that seven of those grants are exclusive to Kauai totaling $2,500,000. She said the board approved just under $7,000,000 in the biennium budget to support Hawaiian-focused charter schools and noted an accompanying shift to give school leaders more discretion in using those funds.

On disaster response, Silva told trustees the board approved $6,100,000 for disaster-related programs; "2.5 have been expended towards those impacted federal workers impacted by federal shutdown relief or SNAP recipients who were impacted by reduced SNAP," and "2,500,000 in coordination and partnership with the, Hawaiian Council, who is the administrator of those funds, have been deployed." She added that $1,500,000 had been repurposed to provide direct relief for those hit by Kona Loa flood events and that smaller sums were allocated for farmer assistance and Malama Honua residential repair programs.

Other program details included sponsorships of up to $15,000 for community events (with about $30,000 distributed to two programs), and availability of approximately $10–$11 million in unused loan funds through OHA’s revolving loan program. Silva encouraged beneficiaries to apply for the Hawaiian revolving loan fund, sponsorships, and other supports posted on OHA’s website.

Silva framed these investments as part of OHA’s long-term strategic plan, reiterated the board’s sustained support for Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation (noting annual funding of $1,500,000), and said staff will continue to follow up on community concerns raised at island meetings.