Community Equity Program
The Community Equity Liaison program is committed to supporting O'ahu’s economic growth by enhancing access to government services for our communities on Oʻahu.
OER works closely with federal, state, and other city government agencies to improve understanding and interactions with Oʻahu’s communities.
The program’s mission is to serve as a bridge to essential resources and networks, empowering communities to succeed. We achieve this by fostering stronger community partnerships and civic engagement, creating pathways for economic mobility through education and career development, promoting language access, and improving digital literacy.
ʻOHANA MEMORIAL SUPPORT:
COVID-19 COFA Funeral Assistance Program
The ‘Ohana Memorial Support: COVID-19 COFA Funeral Assistance Program provides financial help to citizens of Compact of Free Association (COFA) nations who have lost a family member to COVID-19. It covers funeral expenses for eligible households on Oahu, Hawaii, for deaths occurring between January 20, 2020, and September 30, 2024.
This COVID-19 COFA Funeral Assistance Program is being supported, in whole or in part, by the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Relief Fund, federal award identification SLFRP2643, and awarded to the City and County of Honolulu by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Eligibility
Immediate surviving family members of a COFA Citizen whose death was attributed to COVID-19 between January 20, 2020, and September 30, 2024
The deceased family member must have resided on O'ahu and must demonstrate COFA citizenship (FSM, RMI, or ROP).
Applicants must prove a relationship to the deceased through official documents.
Funding will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about eligibility, required documents, and the application process, please visit: https://www.weareoceania.org/ohana-memorial-support/
Weekly Virtual Community Sessions:
Join Facebook livestreams for community-specific information sessions:
Marshallese Community: Every Tuesday, 3:30-4:30 PM
Kosraean Community: Every Wednesday, 3:30-4:30 PM
Pohnpeian Community: Every Thursday, 3:30-4:30 PM
Chuukese Community: Every Friday, 3:30-4:30 PM
Contact Information:
Phone: (808) 754-7303
Email: contact@weareoceania.org
Website: www.weareoceania.org
CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU RESOURCES
-
Office of Language Access - Interpreter Needs
Navigating essential services can be challenging if English isn’t your first language.
Learn how to request language support, connect with the right resources, and confidently advocate for your needs.
-
Honolulu Police Department (HPD)
The Honolulu Police Department offers community programs that promote safety, build trust, and engage residents, especially youth and young adults, through mentorship, outreach, and education
-
Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR)
The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation offers volunteer opportunities, permit guidance, and career programs to support community involvement and public service.
-
Department of Customer Services (CSD)
The Department of Customer Services assists with licenses, registrations, disability placards, and supports the City with records, printing, and public information.
-
Department of Community Services (DCS)
The Department of Community Services supports Oʻahu residents with affordable housing, job training, youth programs, and services for seniors and individuals with disabilities, promoting self-sufficiency and stronger communities.
-
Good Jobs Oʻahu
Get free job training and be placed with employers who are ready to hire. Find a new career in Healthcare, Technology, Clean Energy/Skilled Trades, and Creative Industries.
-
Palama Settlement
Various programs offered for all ages. The Leland Blackfield Youth Activity Center provides youth a safe space with arcade games, video games, pool, ping pong, and social areas. It offers free K–12 tutoring and programs for kupunas. goes here
-
Susannah Wesley Community Center
Serving in the heart of the Kalihi-Palama community for over 125 years. SWCC offers support and hope to those in need, promoting self-sufficiency and belonging.
-
Waipahu Safe Haven - Immigrant Resource Center
A trusted community hub serving Waipahu’s immigrant communities, Marshallese and Chuukese families, with language-accessible services in health, housing, jobs, and education.
DMV SERVICES & CITY PERMITS
-
Vehicle Registration, License & ID, Road Test
Renew your vehicle registration or call (808)768-4325.
Make an appointment for a Driver’s License, State ID, or Real ID.
Complete and print either of the application forms and bring it with you to your appointment.
- Download Driver’s license application form
- Download State ID application form
Locations:
KAPAHULU · 1112 Kapahulu Avenue · (808) 768-9127
KAPOLEI · 1000 Uluohia Street · (808) 768-3100.
KOʻOLAU · 47-388 Hui Iwa Street · Suite 19 · (808) 768-4045.
WAHIAWĀ· 330 N. Cane Street · (808) 768-4054.
WAIʻANAE · 85-670 Farrington Highway · (808) 768-4222 (Tuesday and Thursday only)
-
City Permits: Canopies, Camping, Parks
View Honolulu Fire Department Permits.
TYPES OF PERMITS:
- Places of Assembly
- Tents and Canopies
- Flammable and Combustible Liquid Tank Installation
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas Tank Installation
- Firecrackers
REQUIRED TO:
- Conduct any organized activity, e.g. sports tournaments, meetings, or workshops.
- Reserve the use of recreation facilities including fields, gyms, rooms, and pools (no private parties allowed).
- Have a group picnic of 50 or more persons.
- Utilize / set-up large structures such as inflatable bounce houses.
- Drive any vehicle on grassed areas.
- Play or amplify loud music or use loudspeakers.
- Land hang gliders, helicopters, or parachutes.
Learn more about the City and County of Honolulu Parks, watch our Do’s and Dont’s of City Parks Webinar.
STATE & FEDERAL RESOURCES
-
Hawai‘i Relief Program (TANF Support for Housing and Utility Payments)
Program Overview
Eligible applicants may receive up to four months of financial assistance, including:
Rent/mortgage: up to $6,000/month
Security deposit: actual housing deposit amount up to the maximum of $6,000
Utility assistance: $2,000/month per utility source
Utility deposit: up to $3,000 / per utility source
Payments are made directly to landlords, mortgage lenders, or utility providers.
Application Information
Applications are now being accepted.
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you:
Are experiencing a financial hardship (e.g., behind on rent, job loss, utility shut-off notice)
Have a household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level
Have immediate family members who are Hawai’i residents
Have at least one family member who is a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
Have a dependent child or is someone in their third trimester of pregnancy
Have a valid lease or mortgage for a primary residence on O’ahu, Kaua’i, or Hawai’i Island
-
Retrieve Your I-94 Online
Special Note:
After 2014, travelers could access and print their I-94’s online.
However, a copy is stored online for only 5 years.
If you are within the 5-year limit, you can pull up an online copy of your I-94.
If you are NOT within the 5-year limit, a traveler has to apply for a replacement that would cost over $400.
Instructions:
1. Click on ” Get Most Recent I-94.″
2. Read the consent clause, then click “consent” if you understand and agree.
3. Enter personal information.
4. Screenshot and/or Print
***Always keep a copy of your I-94 as it is a verification of your legal presence in the United States. Again, if you lose it and you exceed the 5-year limit, you will have to pay to replace it.
-
Apply for U.S. Social Security Card
All U.S. citizens can request a Social Security number. Some noncitizens may be able to request a number if they work or attend school, or if they have a valid nonwork reason.
People who may need a new Social Security number include:
-
"Know Your Rights" Cards
From the Immigrant Legal Resource Center:
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution.
The ILRC's red cards give examples of how people can exercise these rights. However, they do not provide individualized legal advice.
Community members are encouraged to check in with a trusted legal service provider for questions about their situation.
-
Apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs. This includes grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.
Click below to learn more about our Community Partners and receive additional information.