The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) approved a plan to provide $6.1 million in aid to Native Hawaiian families impacted by the federal government shutdown, according to Hawaii News Now.
OHA’s Board of Trustees met in Hilo on Thursday, to discuss how they are going to disperse the emergency funding.
The office said that they will make payments of up to $350 to kupuna (age 60 and older), low-income adults, or disabled beneficiaries who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits but do not meet the criteria for Hawaii’s Relief Program.
Federal civilian workers are also eligible to receive payments of up to $1,200.
OHA Board Chair Kaiali’i Kahele said in the recent press release, “When our people need help the most, OHA will be there for them. We look to provide money to nearly 15,000 of our most vulnerable beneficiaries with the $6.1 million weʻve set aside to address this emergency so that they can buy food and pay for other essential household needs.”
Food insecurity in Hawai’i has been growing – nearing pandemic-era peaks because of growing economic pressures, Hawai’i Public Radio said. About 160,000 residents receive SNAP benefits; however, the government shutdown has threatened the loss of $60 million in monthly federal aid that would go directly to Hawai’i.
OHA plans to partner with the Hawaiian Council to administer the emergency relief program. Applications for assistance will open on Monday, November 10.
OHA Interim CEO Summer Sylva said in the press release, “When Hawaiians help Hawaiians, our aloha and pilina deepen. By caring for those most in need, we strengthen our lāhui for this moment—and for all that lies ahead.”
Registration is closed for Common Ground: Building Together conference and gala award banquet in San Francisco on January 24. A shoutout to our planning committee: Jane Chin, Frank Mah, Jeannie Young, Akemi Tamanaha, Nathan Soohoo, Mark Young, Dave Liu, and Yiming Fu.
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