"This program is intended to help the working poor," said Glen Hayase, director of the Asset Building Initiative of Hawaii. "... But there is no money in the fund right now."

The concept of Individual Development Accounts is hardly new in the Islands. A handful of nonprofit groups has been doubling and even tripling the savings of low-income families as an incentive for them to put aside money for such things as home ownership.

But the matching funds for groups such as Alu Like Inc. and Parents and Children Together have run dry.

A few months ago, several of the groups got together to make a renewed push for money when they realized that the 50 percent state tax credit for donors to the program will soon expire.

The state Legislature created the tax credit five years ago, but little effort has been made since to take advantage of the opportunity on a large scale, Hayase said.

"We had enough match funds between Alu Like and between some of our other partners that we really didn't need to get any more match funds," Hayase said. "So we didn't focus on this tax credit program until it was a little too late. Hopefully it's not too late."

The Hawaii IDA Fund hopes to match up to $5,000 that individual low-income residents raise or up to $10,000 per low-income family.

The renewed effort to find donors comes amid an uncertain fund-raising climate.

Although Hawai'i's economy continues to recover, groups such as Aloha United Way will be asking for Individual Development Account donations at the same time that they're seeking separate contributions for their regular fund-raising drives.

"It's very, very difficult for us because obviously our campaign is the main focus for Aloha United Way," said Norm Baker, vice president of community building for Aloha United Way.

The organizers of the Hawaii IDA Fund estimate that $1 million in donations could help low-income residents such as Marla Cruz, who set up a similar but unrelated IDA Fund through Alu Like.

Cruz saved $1,000 of her own money while working for the state as a land title abstractor. Alu Like matched her savings with $3 for every $1 saved, giving Cruz an extra $3,000.

Cruz used the $4,000 for a down payment on a three-bedroom home in 'Ewa Villages in December 2000 for herself and her two children.

The money allowed Cruz, 36, to move out of public housing. It also enabled Cruz to become a foster mother to a 1-year-old.

"I'm really grateful," Cruz said. "Living in a house makes a big difference."