Community Equity Program

The Community Equity Liaison program is committed to supporting O'ahu’s economic growth by enhancing access to government services for immigrant and underserved communities on Oʻahu.

OER works closely with federal, state, and other city government agencies to improve understanding and interactions with Oʻahu’s immigrant 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

  1. Immediate surviving family members of a COFA Citizen whose death was attributed to COVID-19 between January 20, 2020, and September 30, 2024

  2. The deceased family member must have resided on O'ahu and must demonstrate COFA citizenship (FSM, RMI, or ROP).

  3. Applicants must prove a relationship to the deceased through official documents.

  4. 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:

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.

    LANGUAGE ACCESS - INTERPRETERS & TRANSLATORS

  • 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

    HPD COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

    HPD CAREERS

  • 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.

    CLASSES & SUMMER FUN PROGRAMS

    CITY PARK & CAMPING PERMITS

    DPR HOMEPAGE

  • 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.

    RENEW VEHICLE REGISTRATION

    ALOHA Q - DRIVER’S LICENSE, STATE ID, REAL ID

    SCHEDULE A ROAD TEST

    CSD HOMEPAGE

  • 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.

    DCS HOMEPAGE

    DCS CAREERS

  • 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.

    GOOD JOBS HAWAIʻI WEBSITE

  • 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

    PALAMA SETTLEMENT WEBSITE

  • 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.

    SUSANNAH WESLEY WEBSITE

  • 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.

    WAIPAHU SAFE HAVEN WEBSITE

DMV SERVICES & CITY PERMITS

FEDERAL RESOURCES

  • 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:

    Noncitizens

    International students

    Foreign workers

    Citizen children

    Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals applicants

    Domestic violence survivors

  • "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.

    CONTACT YOUR CONSULATE OFFICE FOR A CARD

    THE LEGAL CLINIC - KNOW YOUR RIGHTS RESOURCES

  • 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.

TALK STORY WEBINARS WITH COMMUNITY RESOURCE PARTNERS

Like and follow our Facebook page to stay current on upcoming talk stories.

If you have ideas for future topics, please contact Shanty Asher at shanty.asher@honolulu.gov.

COMMUNITY EQUITY TEAM

Shanty Asher

Community Equity Liaison Program Manager

shanty.asher@honolulu.gov

April Labrador

Community Equity Liaison

april.labrador@honolulu.gov

Jovanie Dela Cruz

Community Equity Liaison

jovanie.delacruz@honolulu.gov

Click below to learn more about our Community Partners and receive additional information.