Supporting communities
in need.

Kākoʻo Mai is a Hawaiian Council initiative created to support communities during times of disaster and recovery. Current efforts are focused on assisting individuals and families impacted by the storms and flooding across Hawaiʻi beginning March 2026.

Need kōkua?

  • Phone: (808) 460-8698 or (808) 596-8155
    Email: kakoomai@hawaiiancouncil.org

  • Waialua Recovery Operations Transition

    After serving the North Shore community for more than three months, the Waialua Recovery Center has transitioned its operations to Waialua United Church of Christ, where recovery services will continue for residents impacted by the March 2026 Kona Low storms.

    Since opening in April 2026, the Recovery Center has assisted more than 1,000 individuals, connecting families with financial assistance, vehicle replacement assistance, grocery support, replacement of essential documents, and other recovery resources.

    New Location

    Waialua United Church of Christ
    67-174 Farrington Highway
    Waialua, HI 96791

    Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

    Residents can continue to receive one-on-one assistance from Hawaiian Council's Community Navigator, including recovery navigation, resource referrals, and connections to available assistance programs.

    Mahalo to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi, our many partners, and the volunteers who helped make this work possible. While the Recovery Center has closed, our commitment to supporting North Shore families throughout their recovery remains unchanged.

  • In partnership with Servco Pacific Inc. and Bank of Hawaiʻi, Wheels in Action helps restore access to reliable transportation for families recovering from the storms and flooding.

    Reliable transportation is essential for getting to work, taking keiki to school, attending medical appointments, and meeting everyday needs during recovery.

    Eligible individuals and families may receive temporary no-cost use of a vehicle for interim transportation needs.

    Who Is Eligible?

    This program is available to:

    • Oʻahu residents impacted by the March 2026 Kona Low storms

    • Individuals and families whose vehicles were destroyed due to flooding

    • Households with immediate transportation needs

    Priority Will Be Given To:

    • Households with kūpuna or children

    • Individuals with urgent transportation needs related to work, school, or medical care

    To learn more, complete the Needs Assessment AND contact the Waialua Recovery Center to confirm availability and join the waitlist.

  • OHA General Disaster Assistance Program

    Financial assistance is available for Native Hawaiians impacted by the March 2026 storms and flooding.

    Eligible Assistance

    • Up to $15,000 for Native Hawaiian homeowners whose primary residence sustained major damage and is no longer safe to occupy

    • Up to $7,500 for eligible Native Hawaiian renters

    Click here to learn more & apply.

Donate to support Hawai‘i communities in need.

Help support individuals and communities impacted by the March 2026 floods and severe weather events.

Funding supports evolving recovery needs, including:

  • Housing stability services

  • Financial assistance

  • Transportation support

  • Disaster recovery programs

  • Community resilience initiatives

Donate

Recovery Impact (As of May 19)

  • Approximately $2.5 million raised

  • Nearly 350 individuals served through the Waialua Recovery Center

  • Over $200,000 distributed through vehicle replacement grants

  • $400,000 committed toward vehicle recovery assistance

  • Pumping and servicing of 50 overflowing cesspools across Oʻahu

  • Approximately $175,000 distributed to nonprofits and local organizations supporting recovery efforts statewide

  • More than $80,000 in direct financial assistance through cash support and gift cards

Recovery & Spend Down Strategy

Recovery requires balancing immediate response, interim stabilization, and long-term resilience.

Current efforts are focused on addressing urgent gaps identified directly through community engagement and ongoing needs assessments.

One of the largest unmet needs identified has been transportation access. Hawaiian Council is currently prioritizing programs that help individuals and families who lost vehicles regain mobility and return to work, school, medical care, and daily life.

As government assistance programs continue to evolve, Hawaiian Council remains focused on identifying gaps where community support is still needed and developing equitable recovery programs that support communities through every phase of recovery.

Mahalo nui to our Partners