In a recent government meeting, trustees discussed the allocation of $5 million in disaster aid for individuals affected by the Maui wildfires. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is seeking to establish a framework for distributing these funds directly to individuals, marking a significant shift from their usual practice of granting money to organizations.

The meeting focused on the need for the board to delegate authority to the administration to disperse these funds. This delegation is necessary as OHA has historically been set up to grant funds to larger organizations, and this is the first instance where they will be distributing funds directly to individuals. The proposed structure includes a tiered funding system, with grants not exceeding $9,000 for homeowners and $4,000 for renters.

Trustees raised concerns about the process for determining eligibility and the criteria for fund distribution. Trustee Trask emphasized the need for clarity on the prioritization of aid, especially considering the varying circumstances of those affected, such as insurance status and the loss of loved ones. The administration assured trustees that they would implement a detailed process for grant distribution, including verification of eligibility for Native Hawaiians.

Trustees also discussed the importance of transparency and accountability in the distribution process. There were calls for regular updates on the progress of fund disbursement and the criteria used to evaluate applications. The administration committed to providing ongoing reports and ensuring that the community is informed about the availability of aid.

Ultimately, the board approved the delegation of authority to the CEO to manage the grant applications and disbursements, with the understanding that further details on the process and criteria would be shared with trustees. The meeting underscored the urgency of providing support to those impacted by the wildfires while ensuring that the distribution process is fair and transparent.