HONOLULU (HI Now) - September 24, 2026 — Hawai‘i Community Lending (HCL) continues its mission to keep local and native Hawaiian families in the islands through powerful partnerships and specialized mortgage programs. This collaborative impact takes center stage in a featured interview on HI Now Daily airing Thursday, September 24, 2026, showcasing HCL’s Marissa Guerra, Senior Loss Mitigation Analyst, and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands’ Richard Medeiros, NAHASDA Program Specialist.
Guerra and Mederios talked about the Hoʻāmana Homeowner Assistance Program, a collaboration between Hawai‘i Community Lending (HCL) and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). This $10-million grant program is funded by DHHL and provides grants up to $30,000 to Hawaiian Home Lands lessees to pay past due mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and more. This is in line with HCL’s system strategy to prevent outmigration and displacement of Hawai‘i-born residents, in partnership with DHHL.
To be eligible, homeowners must be at or below 80% area median income and reside on Hawaiian Home Lands; be in financial hardship (including resulting from damage caused by Hurricanes Lala and Lowell); and need help with past due mortgage, HOA fees, property taxes, water and other utilities.
Founded in 2002, HCL has grown into a U.S. Treasury-certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and direct mortgage lender. The nonprofit specializes in supporting homebuilders, homebuyers, and homeowners across Hawaiian Home Lands through streamlined procedures that align with DHHL requirements.
HCL and DHHL want to expand their outreach and bring even more families on board and on track to home ownership!
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HCL is accepting applications now for the Hoʻāmana program!
DHHL beneficiaries ready to begin their homeownership journey are encouraged to call HCL at 808-587-7656 or visit hawaiicommunitylending.com.
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