Native Community Development Financial Institution Joins National Coalition

Hawaiian Lending and Investments, a nonprofit founded by the Sovereign Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations, has joined the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development organization (CAPACD). 

CAPACD is a progressive coalition of local organizations that advocate for and organize in low-income Asian  Americans and Pacific Islander communities and neighborhoods. With nearly 100 organizations in 21 states and the pacific islands, this coalition strives to strengthen and mobilize member organizations in their work for Asian Americans and Pacific Islander communities.

The Washington, D.C.-based coalition has strong partnerships with civil rights and advocacy groups and is well known among elected officials as a trusted and knowledgeable voice for underserved communities. 

“Joining National CAPACD represents a great opportunity for us to connect with other Pacific Islanders working in  communities in the larger pacific region and on the continent,” said Vaipuarii Tapiero-Kight, Deputy Director of  the Hawaiian Lending and Investments Loan Fund. “We’re excited to interact with other members of this coalition and leverage their experience  for our people here in Hawaiʻi.” 

Native Hawaiians are aligned with other indigenous communities like American Indians and Alaska Natives not  only in terms of the federal trust responsibility to the three groups of Native peoples, but also in the deliberate set aside of trust lands. However, Native Hawaiians are also a Pacific Island people, where other alliances are helpful. 

“It’s incredibly important to engage across different communities, like the partners in this AAPI coalition,” said  Sybil Lopez, an elected homestead leader of the Sovereign Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations.

Within two years since its founding, Hawaiian Lending and Investments has raised and facilitated millions in grant and loan capital to Hawaiian families across the state. With more than 28,000 Hawaiians still on a waitlist for a land trust allotment, this advocacy partnership with CAPACD will help amplify the voices of Native Hawaiians on yet another national policy stage.