Hawaiian Affairs to launch kona low gift card recovery program for Native Hawaiians

Office of Hawaiian Affairs on June 12 is launching a new gift card program to provide additional support for Native Hawaiian households recovering from damage caused by the back-to-back kona low storms in March.

ʻĪnaʻi Kōkua Gift Card Program will provide a onetime $2,000 Home Depot card to eligible homeowners, renters and lessees whose primary residences sustained minor storm-related damage.

The agency allocated $410,000 for the program, making only about 200 cards available statewide.

Applications will be accepted June 12-30.

“The ʻĪnaʻi Kōkua Gift Card Program is another way [Office of Hawaiian Affairs] is supporting Native Hawaiian families recovering from the March storms and flooding,” said Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees Chairperson Kaialiʻi “Kai” Kahele in a release announcing the new program. “Cleanup and repairs continue across our communities, and these gift cards can help families purchase essential supplies for basic repairs, household recovery and disaster mitigation.”

ʻĪnaʻi Kōkua is intended to assist agency beneficiaries who need support for disaster-related cleanup as well as minor home repairs and are living in Office of Hawaiian Affairs-identified highly impacted areas throughout Hawaiʻi.

The agency will use available storm impact data and recovery indicators to help ensure assistance is distributed fairly throughout impacted islands and communities.

Intended card uses

• Cleanup and safety supplies such as wet/dry vacuums, fans, dehumidifiers, mold and mildew treatment products and cleaning supplies.
• Basic home repair materials including tools, patch kits, drywall, paint and sealants.
• Essential fixtures and appliances such as water heaters and replacement appliances.
• Basic household needs such as storage bins, lighting and carpeting.
• Prevention and mitigation materials such as tarps, sandbags, flood barriers, clamps and drainage supplies.

Applicants must provide:

• Office of Hawaiian Affairs Hawaiian Registry Program card confirming Native Hawaiian ancestry.
• Proof of Hawaiʻi residency in an Office of Hawaiian Affairs-identified highly impacted area via a deed, lease, rental agreement, mortgage statement or property tax bill.
• Documentation showing residence was applicant’s principal home at time of the storms.
• Documentation of storm-related damage such as photos, insurance claims or county damage determinations.
• Written impact statement describing storm-related impacts.
• Current and completed Internal Revenue Service Form W-9.

An informational Zoom webinar about the application process is scheduled for noon Wednesday, June 10.

Registration information is available at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs website, which is where interested applicants also can review eligibility requirements and obtain additional information.