Apply for Financial Aid and Disaster Support from the Kānaka Anti-Displacement Fund
The devastating Maui wildfire disaster left 271 kānaka (Native Hawaiian) homeowners in Lahaina temporarily displaced from their ancestral lands. These homeowners now face the urgent need for financial support and expert guidance to secure insurance claim funds and disaster assistance that are crucial for them to remain in place and rebuild their homes. Unfortunately, many kānaka in this situation may lack the financial resources required to initiate insurance claims or to appeal denials from insurance companies and FEMA. Without access to the necessary support and expertise, our community is at risk of being uprooted from their homelands, potentially forcing them to leave Hawaiʻi altogether.
The Kānaka Anti-Displacement Fund has been established to provide essential support to the Native Hawaiian population facing such challenges, especially in the wake of disasters like the Maui wildfire that displaced 271 kānaka homeowners from their ancestral lands in Lāhainā. This fund aims to offer the financial aid and expertise needed to secure insurance claims and disaster assistance, ensuring that our kānaka community remains firmly rooted in their homeland. By doing so, we protect the invaluable place of our people within the rich tapestry of Hawaiʻi’s cultural heritage.
Key Objectives of the Fund:
- Prevent Displacement of Indigenous Kānaka Maoli in Maui and Hawaiʻi Due to Disasters.
- Provide Financial Aid and Expertise for Insurance Claims and Disaster Assistance.
- Address Financial Barriers Preventing Kānaka from Claiming Insurance or Appealing Denials.
Support Services Offered: Under the umbrella of the Kānaka Anti-Displacement Fund, HCL ʻOhana Advocates will work closely with homeowners to achieve the following objectives:
a. Secure Copies of Certified Policies from Insurance Companies Active on the Disaster Date. b. Obtain Mortgage Forbearances, Modifications, Grants, and Loans. c. Establish an Emergency Budget with HUD-Certified Housing Counselors. d. Complete FEMA Disaster Assistance Applications and File Appeals. e. Retain a Public Insurance Adjuster (PA) to Conduct Insurance Policy Reviews and Advocate on Behalf of Homeowners to Ensure They Receive the Full Compensation They Deserve for Rebuilding.
The mortgage forbearance program offers homeowners the crucial ability to temporarily suspend mortgage payments, providing essential financial relief during challenging times. Importantly, during this forbearance period, homeowners will not incur fees, penalties, or additional interest beyond their regular mortgage payments.
For those in need of assistance, you can visit one of our two offices in Maui, or you may contact us via call or text at 808-587-7656. Additionally, further information and resources can be found on our website at www.hawaiicommunitylending.com. We are committed to supporting our kānaka community during these trying times and ensuring that they can rebuild and remain connected to their cherished homeland.
