OHA Adds Debt Consolidation to Malama Loan Program

By Sonia Isotov

In adding debt-consolidation loans to its offerings, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is hoping to increase the number of eligible Native Hawaiians it can help under its Malama Loan Program.

At the same time, the program will continue to provide financing for business, home improvement and education. Qualified Native Hawaiian-owned businesses and individuals can apply for business loans up to $150,000 to expand or start a business; up to $100,000 for home improvement projects; and up to $75,000 for educational expenses.

Individuals must be of Native Hawaiian ancestry, and business, partnerships, LLCs and corporations that apply must also be 100% Native Hawaiian-owned.

The Mālama Loan Program is being administered through all branches of First Hawaiian Bank. For more information on the Malama Loan Program, go to the OHA website.