Mahiʻai Micro Fund Program

Mahiʻai Micro Fund Program is sponsored by Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA). Provides direct financial support to Native Hawaiian farming businesses to address agricultural challenges and strengthen food security.

Mahiʻai Micro Fund Program - The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Office of Hawaiian Affairs Mahiʻai Micro Fund Program Fill out the Mahiʻai Micro Fund Program Interest Form The OHA Mahiʻai Micro Fund provides direct financial support to Native Hawaiian farming businesses across Hawaiʻi to address urgent agricultural challenges, including the impacts of the 2026 Kona low weather events.

This program helps farmers recover, stabilize, and sustain their operations while increasing local food production, strengthening food security and improving economic resilience in Native Hawaiian communities. By investing in Native Hawaiian farmers, the fund supports the long-term vitality of Hawaiʻi’s agricultural systems and communities.

The program is administered in partnership with Hawaiian Council, which manages the application review and award process.

This program is for you if: You are a Native Hawaiian business owner verified through the Hawaiian Registry Program (HRP) You own and operate a farming business that produces food or agricultural products You are actively engaged in agricultural production in Hawaiʻi You intend to use funds to support your farming operations Application Period: May 1 – May 15, 2026 Notification of Award: By June 15, 2026 Complete the OHA Beneficiary Interest Form and indicate your interest in the Mahiʻai Micro Fund.

An OHA Beneficiary Services Advocate will reach out to confirm your Hawaiian Registry Program (HRP) status or assist you with completing your HRP registration. Once your HRP status is verified, our team will guide you through completing a short survey and preparing your referral to Hawaiian Council. Eligible applicants will be referred to Hawaiian Council for funding consideration.

Selected applicants will be contacted to submit required documentation. Applicants will be assessed based on their application and level of need. Hawaiian Council will conduct impact assessments for Kona low-affected applicants and provide case management support to confirm eligibility, including verification of business operations and required documentation.

IMPORTANT: To be considered for funding, you must complete the HRP verification AND the survey application in its ENTIRETY. Incomplete or partially completed applications will not be eligible for financial assistance. Awards will be distributed based on eligibility and funding tier.

Award Notifications by June 15 Up to $5,000 for those impacted by recent Kona Low events Up to $3,000 for ongoing operational support Fill out the Mahiʻai Micro Fund Program Interest Form Conference Committee Approves Measure Releasing $55 Million to OHA OHA Delegation Concludes High-Level Washington, D. C. Engagement on Military-Leased Land OHA Chair Leads Delegation to Washington, D.

C. to Address Military-Leased Lands and Federal Funding for Native Hawaiian Programs Statement of OHA Board Chairperson Kaialiʻi Kahele on the passing of Governor George Ariyoshi OHA Launches Mahiʻai Micro Fund to Support Native Hawaiian Farmers Office of Hawaiian Affairs