Grant Programs to Support Native Hawaiian Communities

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs today announced the release of $594,079 through three grant programs that will support Native Hawaiian communities. 

OHA’s newly created Homestead Community Grant awards $278,095 to address community needs and improve the quality of life of homesteaders. Funded projects include building a Hale Waʻa in Makuʻu Homesteads on Hawaiʻi Island, installing watering systems on 7 acres for Anahola Homesteaders to grow food on Kauaʻi, and building a playground for keiki in Papakōlea, Oʻahu. 

OHA’s new Iwi Kupuna Repatriation and Reinterment Grant is providing $167,298 to four community organizations. Nearly $33,000 will go toward facilitating the reburial of 700 to 900 iwi kūpuna and moepū (funerary possessions) disturbed at Kawaiahaʻo Church grounds. The remaining iwi kupuna grants will provide education in communities throughout the state to empower Native Hawaiians to protect and care for iwi and provide training on the proper treatment of iwi. 

“The new Homestead and Iwi Kupuna grants are in direct response to our new strategic plan, Mana i Mauli Ola, which provides specific emphasis on the implementation of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act and on broadening the definition of health to include spiritual health and the care of our iwi kūpuna,” said OHA Board Chair Carmen “Hulu” Lindsey.  

OHA will also sponsor 20 community events statewide that will receive a total of $148,686 from OHA’s ‘Ahahui Grants program. In its 10th year, the ʻAhahui Grants program supports community events that serve as enrichment opportunities on Hawaiian culture, ‘āina stewardship, economic opportunity, food sustainability and strengthening ʻohana. 

“We are proud to partner with these community organizations that are providing educational opportunities in areas that align with the strategic foundations of our new plan,” Chair Lindsey said. “All of these grant awards help us to strengthen our ʻohana, perpetuate our moʻomeheu or culture, and help care for the stewardship of our ʻāina.” 

For more information on OHA’s Grants Programs please visit https://oha.org/grants.