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Kapapahuliau Program

To promote greater self-determination and self-sufficiency within the lāhui as they work to reduce the impacts of adverse weather events, utilizing ʻike Hawaiʻi (traditional Native Hawaiian knowledge). This approach aims to preserve the integrity of the Native Hawaiian people while enhancing their capacity for community resilience.

North Shore, Oʻahu Coastal Flooding

Waves wash over Kamehameha Highway along the North Shore, Oʻahu.

To support the lāhui (Native Hawaiian Community) in preparing Hawaiʻinuiākea (the Hawaiian archipelago) for enhanced response and resilience in the face of adverse weather impacts such as drought, wildfires, invasive species, storm-related flooding, tidal inundation, and coastal erosion, ONHR has established the Kapapahuliau Program. The name "Kapapahuliau" evokes the imagery of a voyaging waʻa (canoe) and its crew navigating the changing winds and currents over time (au), adjusting their sails and course as needed while remaining focused on their destination. This concept embodies a process of learning and transformation, drawing on the ingenuity of Native Hawaiian ancestors in adapting to their environment.


Through this Program, ONHR aims to empower the Native Hawaiian Community to learn from these ancestral practices, take proactive measures against threats and hazards, adapt to evolving conditions, and rapidly recover from adverse environmental events and disruptions.
 

BACKGROUND:

 
GRANT RECIPIENTS:

PROGRAM DETAILS: (FY2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity Coming Soon)

Who Can Apply?

For this financial assistance opportunity, applicants must meet the following definition of, and criteria for, a “Native Hawaiian Organization.” 


“Native Hawaiian Organization” or “NHO” means a non-profit organization* — 

  • (A) that principally serves or benefits the Native Hawaiian Community,**
  • (B) that is composed primarily of Native Hawaiians,*** who also control or serve in substantive leadership and decision-making roles; and
  • (C) that has demonstrated expertise in Native Hawaiian heritage, economic development, health and well-being, self-governance, or natural and cultural resources management.  

* Non-profit organization, per 2 CFR 200.1 means any corporation, trust, association, cooperative, or other organization, not including institutions of higher education (IHEs), that:  

  • Is operated primarily for scientific, educational, service, charitable, or similar purposes in the public interest;
  • Is not organized primarily for profit; and
  • Uses net proceeds to maintain, improve, or expand the operations of the organization.

**Native Hawaiian Community means the distinct Native Hawaiian indigenous political community that Congress, exercising its plenary power over Native American affairs, has recognized and with which Congress has implemented a special political and trust relationship. 

***Native Hawaiian means any individual who is a descendant of the aboriginal people who, prior to 1778, occupied and exercised sovereignty in the area that now constitutes the State of Hawai‘i.

Applicants seeking financial assistance through this funding opportunity must submit a written attestation or certification from their governing body (such as the Executive Director, CEO, or Board of Directors). This document should confirm that the applicant organization qualifies as a “Native Hawaiian Organization” as defined in the “Eligibility” section of the NOFO and that it is authorized to apply for financial assistance. Additionally, the attestation must include supporting information that demonstrates how the organization meets the specified criteria.
 

*Note* Registration on the Department of the Interior’s Native Hawaiian Organization Notification List or the Department’s Homestead & Beneficiary Associations List, or designation as a Native Hawaiian Organization owning a Native Hawaiian 8(a) small business do not automatically make an NHO eligible for the Kapapahuliau program. Please see the Eligibility Section of the NOFO for specific eligibility requirements.

Financial Assistance Award Amounts

Award Ceiling: $150,000

Award Floor: $75,000

Duration / Period of Performance:
12 - 36 Months.

Where Can I Apply?

Mahalo for your interest, the FY2024 funding opportunity is closed.  Stay tuned for the FY2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Additional References and Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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