Mahi 'Ai Business Loan

Mahi 'Ai Business Loan is sponsored by Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA). Loans available for small agricultural businesses. Eligibility requires applicants to be Hawaii residents and of Native Hawaiian ancestry.

Funds can be used to establish or expand a business or for working capital.

OHA introduces new Mahi ʻAi Agricultural Loan - The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Office of Hawaiian Affairs OHA Chair Calls Out ‘Undemocratic Behavior’ at Capitol OHA announces leadership transition OHA introduces new Mahi ʻAi Agricultural Loan HONOLULU (May 26, 2023) – The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund program is introducing a new program this month to support Native Hawaiian farmers across the pae ʻāina.

The Mahi ‘Ai Agricultural Loan Program is another way that OHA is meeting the business needs of Native Hawai ians who are starting a farm or expanding an existing one. “For nearly 35 years, OHA has provided Native Hawaiians with low-interest loans to start or expand their businesses,” said Aikū‘ē Kalima, OHA’s Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan manager.

“To diversify our loan portfolio and support mahi ‘ai, or farmers, we have earmarked funds specifically for agricultural businesses. ” The program has unique features that keep the needs of mahi ‘ai in mind. In addition to the low-interest rates, new borrowers have the option of deferring their loan payments for the first six months without incurring additional interest.

“We recognize that it takes time for crops to grow, or livestock to reach a certain stage, before they can generate revenue for farmers, and we’ve taken that into consideration to help ensure our loan recipients are off to a good start,” Kalima said.

“These loans will not only help Native Hawaiians build strong businesses working in harmony with the land to support their families and provide jobs for others in the community, but also support food security to help Hawai‘i become more resilient.

” OHA offers agricultural business loans up to seven years at 4% APR for amounts between $2,500 and $100,000 for in-ground or above-ground farming, greenhouse, hydroponic, and other types of farming, including raising livestock. All owners of the business must be of Native Hawaiian ancestry.

Loan applicants must be State of Hawai‘i adult residents and meet stringent criteria, including having a credit score of 600 or higher and their debt-to-income ratio must be no more than 45%. The business must also be registered with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and be in good standing. For more information on the Mahi ‘Ai Agricultural Loan Program, visit https://loans.

oha. org/mahiai-agricultural-loan/ , email [email protected] or call the OHA office at (808) 594-1835.

Category: ‘Āina Economic Development Press Release Resources OHA Board Advances Historic Opportunity to Expand Native Hawaiian Ownership in Media OHA Acknowledges Senate Armed Services Committee Action on FY2027 NDAA Provisions Relating to Hawaiʻi Military Leased Lands Native Hawaiian Students Set to Participate in ʻAha ʻŌpio o OHA 2026 OHA Board Chair Kaialiʻi Kahele Statement on Executive Proclamation Reopening Papahānaumokuakea to Commercial Fishing OHA to Launch ʻĪnaʻi Kōkua Gift Card Program for Native Hawaiian Households Recovering from March 2026 Kona Low Storm Damage Office of Hawaiian Affairs