Kahua Program
Direct Cash Support for ʻOhana Who Were Left Out of Aid
ʻO ke kahua ma mua ma hope ke kukulu.
The foundation first, then the building.
Nominate Yourself or an ʻOhana
Kahua Card Program
Direct Cash Support for ʻOhana Who Were Left Out of Aid
The Kahua Card Program provides monthly cash on a prepaid card for one year to 100–150 ʻohana who were excluded from traditional fire relief programs. Funded by over 4,000 donors giving $5 or more, the program is built on trust, dignity, and personal agency, letting participants decide how best to use the support for their unique needs.
Why Kahua Matters
Empowers ʻohana: Lets people choose what matters most to them—housing, food, healthcare, or other essential needs.
Supports those most excluded: Reaches people facing multiple challenges like housing insecurity, poverty, mental health struggles, caregiving responsibilities, trauma, or legal barriers.
Restores dignity and hope: Gives people the confidence to plan, make decisions, and regain control over their lives.
Guided by Hawaiian values: Prioritizes those in the hardest place first, reflecting aloha, kōkua, kuleana, and mālama.
How It Works
Nominations open for two weeks – self-nominate or nominate someone else
Review – nominations checked against eligibility criteria
Lottery – eligible ʻohana randomly selected for fairness and transparency
Voices From Our Pilot Program
“I don’t feel frozen anymore. I can actually make decisions.”
“I feel like I’m finally thinking ahead, not just reacting.”
“It felt good to give something. Even small. I didn’t think I’d be in that position again.”
“It’s the first time in forever I felt like I could say yes to people.”