Outreach team from Hawaiian Council coming to Big Island to help with emergency relief applications

Hawaiian Council’s community outreach team will travel this weekend to the neighbor islands — including Kaua‘i — to assist Native Hawaiian beneficiaries with completing applications for emergency relief funds through the Office of Hawaiian Affairs $6.1 million emergency assistance program called I Ola: OHA’s Emergency Relief Fund, which launched Nov. 10.

The team will provide in-person support for applicants needing help filling out applications, eligibility verification forms and more on the following date and times on Hawai‘i Island:

Hawai‘i Island location No. 1: 2100 Kanoelehua Ave., Unit 9 and 10, Hilo.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 21; 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 22.

Hawai‘i Island location No. 2: West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokolole Highway, Building B, Kailua-Kona.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 21; 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 22

While the longest federal government shutdown in the nation’s history ended last week, many residents continue to face financial strain as they await delayed pay and benefits.

The disruption placed a significant burden on individuals and households throughout the islands because of Hawai‘i’s high cost of living.

“We know that even temporary interruptions in income or benefits can have a lasting impact,” said Hawaiian Council Chief Executive Officer Kūhiō Lewis in an announcement about the upcoming assistance dates. “Our team is mobilizing statewide to make sure relief reaches families as quickly as possible — especially those on our neighbor islands who may have limited access to services.”

The $6.1 million emergency assistance plan approved by Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees earlier this month is designed to reach Native Hawaiian households who are most at risk and might not qualify for other state or federal aid.

Click here to get additional information or apply yourself.