Immediate family members of Compact of Free Association (COFA) Citizens who passed away due to COVID-19 may now apply for burial expense reimbursement through the ʻOhana Memorial Support: COVID-19 COFA Funeral Assistance Program. This City-supported effort addresses the gap in federal assistance that excluded many COFA households during the pandemic.
Eligible families can receive up to $9,000 per deceased individual, with a cap of $35,500 per household. The program is administered by the City and County of Honolulu’s Office of Economic Revitalization (OER) in partnership with We Are Oceania (WAO).
“This program is a vital step in assisting families who were initially left out of federal funeral support,” said Amy Asselbaye, Executive Director of the Office of Economic Revitalization. “At a time when so many households are still working to catch up financially, we hope this support offers some relief and recognition after the tragic loss of a loved one to COVID-19.”
Applications are now being accepted, and families are encouraged to connect with WAO to begin the process or attend a community outreach event to learn more. Bilingual staff are available to assist in Marshallese, Chuukese, Kosraean, and Pohnpeian.
Upcoming In-Person Outreach Events
- Kosrae Community (Utwe Memorial Day)
Saturday, July 19, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Kapiʻolani Regional Park, 3840 Pākī Ave, Honolulu - Marshallese Community
Sunday, July 20, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Windward Union Church, 38 Kāne‘ohe Bay Dr, Kailua - Pohnpeian Community
Saturday, August 2, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
HUCC, 757 Ho‘omalu St, Pearl City - Chuukese Community
Sunday, August 3, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Kalihi Union Church, 2214 N. King St, Honolulu - Kosrae Community (Tafunsak Memorial Day)
Saturday, August 16, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Kapiʻolani Regional Park, 3840 Pākī Ave, Honolulu
Daily walk-in assistance is also available (excluding weekends) at WAO’s Shim Hall headquarters, 720 N. King Street, Honolulu, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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 Oʻahu 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/
Contact Information:
- Phone: (808) 754-7303
- Email: contact@weareoceania.org
- Website: www.weareoceania.org
