Vehicle Replacement

Assistance Program

 
 

Was your car damaged or lost

due to the major Hawai‘i storms beginning in March 2026?

 

Hawaiian Council is offering up to $5,000 in financial assistance to help individuals and families replace vehicles lost due to the recent floods and storms. This program is designed to restore mobility and support impacted households in returning to work, school, and daily life.

Award amounts will be based on demonstrated need and the verified funding gap, up to a maximum of $5,000.

 

What is Gap Assistance?

Gap assistance helps cover the difference between your insurance payout and the cost of replacing your vehicle.

Gap = Cost of replacement vehicle minus insurance payout

 

You may be eligible if you:

  • Lost your vehicle due to the Hawaiʻi floods or storms beginning March 2026

  • Had active insurance coverage at the time of loss

  • Received an insurance payout

  • Have a remaining financial gap to replace your vehicle

  • Used the vehicle as a primary mode of transportation for your household

Due to limited funding, priority may be given to households with major damage or total loss, individuals who rely on a vehicle for work or essential needs, and applicants experiencing financial hardship.

Vehicles must be purchased through a licensed dealership in the State of Hawaiʻi. Private party purchases are not eligible

 
 

    • The applicant must be the registered owner of the totaled vehicle and the named purchaser or borrower for the replacement vehicle or loan.

    • Limit one award per household

    • Funds may not duplicate assistance received from insurance or other programs for the same purpose

  • Funds may be used for one of the following:

    • Purchase of a replacement vehicle

    • Reimbursement for a replacement vehicle already purchased

    • Paying down an existing auto loan where the balance exceeds the insurance payout

    • Replacement vehicles must be practical, reasonably priced, and appropriate for basic transportation needs and may not be luxury vehicles

    • Vehicles must be purchased through a licensed dealership in the State of Hawaiʻi. Private party purchases are not eligible

    • All purchases must align with program guidelines and approved award amount

  • Required documentation must be submitted within applicable timeframes to avoid delays in processing

    • Funding is limited and will be awarded based on eligibility and program priorities

    • Submission of an application does not guarantee funding

    • Incomplete documentation may delay or impact funding decisions

    • Hawaiian Council reserves the right to verify all information provided and request additional documentation as needed

    • Processing timelines may vary based on application volume

 
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Funding Process and Required Documentation

1. Replacement Vehicle Purchase

For applicants purchasing a vehicle:

  • Vehicle purchase agreement or invoice

  • Dealership name and location

  • Sales associate contact information (phone and email)

Funds will be paid directly to the dealership whenever possible. Documentation must be submitted within 30 days of award notification. Hawaiian Council will coordinate directly with the dealership to process payment. Before payment is issued to the dealership, the applicant must provide a complete purchase contract and sales agreement.

2. Reimbursement (Vehicle Already Purchased)

For applicants who have already purchased a replacement vehicle:

  • Vehicle purchase agreement

  • Proof of payment (receipt, financing agreement, or bank statement)

  • Vehicle registration in the applicant’s name

Approved funds will be issued directly to the applicant.

3. Existing Auto Loan Balance

For applicants with a remaining loan balance that exceeds the insurance payout:

  • Vehicle registration in the applicant’s name

  • Loan documents, including a current statement

  • Documentation verifying the outstanding loan balance

Funds may be issued directly to the lender whenever possible.

 

Additional Support

Financing options may also be available through Hawaiian Council’s Loan Fund. If you need assistance securing a vehicle loan, please contact us at (808) 596-8155.

Need a vehicle immediately?

Through Wheels in Action, a program by Servco Cares, eligible individuals and families may receive temporary access to a vehicle for a initial 30-day period. Priority will be given to families in the Waialua area who lost vehicles due to flooding, based on need as assessed by the Hawaiian Council.

Visit the Waialua Recovery Center to apply or learn more.