CNHA Housing Counseling

Hoʻomākaukau i ka wā ikaika, i ʻole e ʻeha i ka wā pilikia.
Prepare during times of strength, so you won’t suffer during times of hardship.

Our Purpose

Pouring water into the plant out of a wooden gourd

In Hawaiian culture, financial well-being is not just about individual success; it reflects our relationships—our kuleana to ʻohana, our care for community, and our stewardship of ʻāina. By embracing values of foresight, balance, and responsibility, we honor our ancestors and empower future generations. Saving, planning, and investing with intention are not merely financial practices—they are expressions of mālama and aloha that ensure the strength of our people, even in times of uncertainty.

The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, a Hawaiʻi non-profit, a HUD Certified Housing Counseling Affiliate and a Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), provides Pre-Purchase Housing Counseling services throughout the State of Hawaiʻi. CNHA is a statewide service provider with offices on Oʻahu and Maui.

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For questions regarding our HUD Housing Counseling Programs, please email
housingcounseling@hawaiiancouncil.org
or call our main line at 808-596-8155

If you are interested in connecting with our
Housing Counseling Department for Housing Counseling or Financial Empowerment Workshops please fill out our Interest form below.

Fill Out Our Interest Form

Housing Counseling Programs and Services

Understanding Loan Options

Learn the differences between VA, Conventional, FHA, USDA Rural, and NAHASDA loans to help you make informed decisions about buying or building a home. Each loan type has different benefits, eligibility requirements, and processes. We’ll help you understand which options might be best for your situation.

Why Credit Matters

Your credit score affects more than just loan approvals—it can impact your ability to rent a home, buy a car, apply for jobs, and get lower interest rates. We will show you how credit works, why it matters, and how you can improve or repair your credit with practical steps.

Creating a household budget

Many people don’t realize where their money goes each month. We’ll teach you how to track your income and expenses, create a budget that works for your ʻohana, and set financial goals that support your future.

Navigating the home buying process

Buying a home can feel overwhelming. We can help you break it down step-by-step—from preparing financially to closing on a property—so you know what to expect and how to move forward with confidence.

Understanding tenant rights and responsibilities

Do you know what your landlord is legally responsible for? Many renters worry about speaking up for fear of rent increases or eviction. We can help explain your rights as a tenant and offers tips on how to advocate for yourself while maintaining a positive landlord-tenant relationship.

Avoiding predatory lending

Scammers often target community members with offers that seem too good to be true. Learn how to spot red flags, protect your personal information, and avoid high-cost loans that can trap you in debt.

Other Available Resources

DHHL Wildfire Relief Program

For Native Hawaiian families who are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the wildfires on Maui and Hawai’i Island. In partnership with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), we are providing emergency rental assistance to Native Hawaiian families eligible to reside on Hawaiian Home Lands, including Lessees, Undivided Interest Lessees, and applicants on the DHHL Waiting List. Through this program we offer optional Housing Counseling Services.

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Kūpuna Rental Subsidy Program

In partnership with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) is providing rental subsidies for eligible kūpuna (62 years or older) on the DHHL Wait List in Hawaiʻi. The rental subsidies will allow kūpuna in need to remain safely housed in their rental unit and position themselves to accept a DHHL lease when they are awarded. Through this program we offer mandatory Housing Counseling Services.

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Meet Our Certified HUD Counselors

Leona Hosea

Kapolei

Kukui Keahi

Kahului, Lahaina

Mokihana Komoda

Kapolei

Jazmin Twining

Kapolei

Counseling is available for you in-person and virtually. For in-person support, you may schedule an appointment with our counselors at:

Kahului Location
153 E Kamehameha Ave, Ste 101,
Kahului, HI 96732

Hoʻopili Location
91-3633 Kauluakoko Street, Unit 5004,
Ewa Beach, HI 96706

Testimonials

“Our ʻohana was blessed to receive the Kākoʻo Maui Pre-Development Grant—it gave us hope and allowed us to start rebuilding sooner than we ever imagined. At first, we didn’t think the CNHA Financial Empowerment Workshop was for us—we were already homeowners. But it ended up being a lifeline. It gave us the confidence and knowledge to rebuild smarter, stretch every dollar, and create a stronger, more resilient home for our future.”

Ramona Aki, Lahaina, Maui

“I meet with my housing counselor every few months to go over my bills and she checks on how I am doing. She tells me to try and save money even if it’s $5.00. I laugh because $5.00 is hard to save, when you don’t have much. With the help of the counselor and CNHA, I was able to raise my credit score. CNHA and this program allows me to stay focus and work towards a better life for me and my family. I want to become a homestead owner and with this program, I feel I can make my dream come true. Mahalo Nui! CNHA and to my housing counselor for giving me confidence in myself and know I will be ok.”

Mrs. Rivera, Kapolei, Oʻahu

Mrs. Rivera has been in the program since 2021. She started with the RURP Rent and Utility Assistance and then moved to Kupuna Rental Assistance.

HUD HOUSING COUNSELING
CLIENT DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

The Hawaiian Council, a Hawaiʻi non-profit, a HUD Certified Housing Counseling Affiliate and a Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), provides Pre-Purchase Housing Counseling services throughout the State of Hawaiʻi. CNHA is a statewide service provider with offices on Oʻahu and Maui.

The federal government requires under 24CFR 303(g) that CNHA disclose the following:

Types of Service by CNHA: CNHA provides community development programming that includes Housing Counseling, Financial Education Training, Loan Fund Products and Technical Assistance to business and community organizations. These services are free of charge to you and you are not required to pay any fees.

Financial Relationships with Industry Partners: CNHA receives funding and support from a variety of industry partners with similar goals and services.

Financial relationships with Industry Partners include the following:

U.S. Treasury CDFI Fund & U.S. Housing & Urban Development
U.S. Small Business Administration
State of Hawaii Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
City & County of Honolulu
National Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans in Community Development
Oweesta Corporation & Rural Community Assistance Corporation
Hawaii Homeownership Center

Client Obligations: As a client of CNHA you are under no obligation to receive any services or participate in any activities offered by CNHA, the above-listed partners and agencies, or any other business, agency, or partner. Additionally, CNHA does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, or age.

Alternative Options: If you do not want any services from CNHA, or believe you require other programs or products, you may also contact one of the following: