Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 35, Number 6, 1 June 2018 — RELIEF EFFORTS [ARTICLE]

RELIEF EFFORTS

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is committed to sustained support for beneficiaries recovering from flood damage on Kaua'i, as well as those coping wifh an ongoing eruption at Kilauea volcano on Hawai'i lsland. OHA Trustees and administration are working to direct resources to both Kaua'i and Puna, including $500,000 in immediate aid for both communities, and anticipate providing far more in the new fiscal year beginning July 1. The disaster relief will be provided through a combination of direct funding, grants and financing through the Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund. The agency will also partner with other organizations to maximize critical resources for our beneficiaries. OHAwill provide morethan financial relief; the agency will be present to assist in recovery efforts and to serve as a community advocate before government agencies and nonprofit organizations. A delegation representing 0HA's administration and Trustee Dan Ahuna's office met with flood-impacted residents, nonprofit leaders and county officials on May 16 to listen to their concerns and assess the extensive damage in communities along Kaua'i's northern coast. Hawaiians represent 30 percent of the population in remote Wainiha and Hā'ena, whieh have been nearly isolated by highway damage, rockfall and mudslides. Trustee Robert Lindsey will travel to Puna with another 0HA delegation to meet with beneficiaries and identify where assistance would most effectively meet the needs of Hawai'i lsland beneficiaries impacted by lava flow, volcanic ash and toxic emissions. Emergency relief assistance for Native Hawaiian Households impacted bythe heavy floods on April 14 in the County of Kaua'i, please go to www.oha.org/kauai for more information. ■