If you are a tenant facing eviction, the following videos will provide some tips for how to prepare for a mediation session and also share information about your rights and responsibilities.
Last updated 8/5/2021
Moratoriums
Hawaiʻi Eviction Protection: Hawaiʻi's moratorium on eviction for non-payment of rent ended on August 6, 2021. However, if the landlord entered into forbearance on a federally-backed loan, the landlord cannot evict tenants during the forbearance.
chuukese information
marshallese information
HOUSING AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
STATEWIDE
OHA’s Ka Wailele Emergency Financial Assistance Program is an emergency financial assistance program for Native Hawaiians. Ka Wailele will provide grants up to $1,500 for past due rent, mortgage, utilities and rent deposits to an estimated 520 households that can prove Native Hawaiian ancestry, Hawaiʻi residency, financial hardship, and need for housing and/or utility assistance. Native Hawaiians are limited to receive OHA emergency financial assistance one-time every two years.
Eligibility Requirements
Apply
The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Rent Relief Program (DHHLRRP) is providing financial assistance to native Hawaiians who experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are renters in the state of Hawai'i.
Eligibility Requirements
Apply
Eligibility Requirements
- Be Native Hawaiian residing in Hawai'i
- Be 18 years or older
- Be in financial hardship
- Have documents to prove past due rent, mortgage, utilities, or rental deposit
Apply
- Online application
- Call (808) 587-7656
- In-person at a Financial Opportunity Center listed below, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Oʻahu: 200 N Vineyard Boulevard, Suite B140 Honolulu, HI 96817 (808-587-7886)
- Maui: 24 N Church Street, Suite 210 Wailuku, HI 96793 (808-727-8870)
- Molokaʻi /Lānaʻi (Remote Site): University of Hawaii Molokaʻi Education Center, 375 Kamehameha V Highway Kaunakakai, HI 96748 (808-553-4490, ext. 6) Open Mon & Wed, 8:30am to 4:30pm
- East Hawaiʻi – Reopens June 14, 2021: 1315 Kalanianaʻole Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720 (808-934-0801)
- West Hawaiʻi (Remote Site) – Reopens June 16, 2021: La’i’ōpua 2020, 74-5210 Keanalehu Drive, Kailua Kona, HI 9674 (808-587-7656) Open Mon-Fri, 9aam to 4pm
- Kauaʻi: 4523 Ioane Road, Anahola, HI 96703 (808-784-3841)
The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Rent Relief Program (DHHLRRP) is providing financial assistance to native Hawaiians who experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are renters in the state of Hawai'i.
- Rent (maximum of 12 months)
- Back rent from March 13, 2020 to current
- Utilities (electric, gas, water/sewer, trash)
- Back payment on utilities going back to March 13, 2020
Eligibility Requirements
- Be Native Hawaiian
- Rent housing in the State of Hawaiʻi
- Be 18 years or older
- Prove one or members of household has qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or other financial hardship due to COVID-19
- Demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, unsafe or unhealthy living conditions, or any other evidence of such risk
- Meet income qualification—less than 80% Area Median Income (AMI). Amount differs by county.
Apply
- The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement website and application
- Note -- The information about the Native Hawaiian requirement has not been updated on the website as of July 12, 2021. Native Hawaiians no longer need to be on the DHHL wait list nor have an undivided lessee interest.
MAUI
Maui County Emergency Rental Assistance Program is now accepting applications from low-income households that have been hit hardest financially by COVID-19. It will be distributed by Catholic Charities Hawai'i. Qualified households will receive support for up to 12 months for rent, utilities or both.
- Up to $2,500 for past rent and utility bills. The program can pay bills dating to March 13, 2020.
- Up to $2,000 for current and future rent.
- Up to $500 a month for current and future utilities.
- The program can also pay for Internet bills. The countyʻs community partner will help determine qualifications.
- Show financial harm from the pandemic (e.g. qualifying for unemployment, job loss, reduction in wages or increase in household expenses)
- Show at least one household member is at risk of losing their housing
- Have a household income at or below 80% of the area median income for Maui County
- Complete the Pre-Screening Application
- After the pre-screen is submitted, applicants will be contacted for guidance on next steps.
Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. (MEO) Rental & Mortgage Assistance Program provides Maui residents with financial assistance for rent/mortgage, utilities, food, internet, medical, and other essential needs.
- Assistance for: Security deposit, First month’s rent, Rental subsidies, Utility deposit/disconnection (electric, gas)
- Demonstrate a need for assistance (e.g. currently homeless or at-risk for homelessness, live in substandard conditions, experienced an unexpected layoff, unexpected eviction, etc.)
- Within thirty (30) days prior to application, demonstrate that household income is is equal or greater than household expenses in order to prove housing can be sustained after assistance. If client does not have sufficient income at time of application, client must provide proof of future income. (Income can include supplemental assistance, including food stamps and public financial assistance)
- Qualifying applicants must contribute up to 30% of the cost of the emergency rental assistance and/or security deposit at the time of the rental application.
- Demonstrate a desire to become self-sufficient and an ability to help oneself.
- For individuals with HUD vouchers, only deposit assistance is available.
Kaua'i and ni'ihau
The Kaua‘i 2021 Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance Program for Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau residents.
Eligibility Requirements
Apply
- Support for up to 12 months (between March 2020 to December 2021)
- Up to $4,500/month for rent and no limit for utilities
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a Kaua‘i County resident
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a renter
- COVID-related income loss or other COVID-related financial burdens
- Proof of late rent or utility bills
- Household income cannot be more than 80% of the area median income (AMI)
- Priority Applications: Households with income of no more than 50% percent of the AMI or in which one or more household member(s) is unemployed and has been unemployed for 90 days will be prioritized.
Apply
- kauairenthelp.com
- Paper applications will be accepted
- Information from both tenants and landlords must be provided in order for an application to qualify for the program.
hawai'i island
The Hawaiʻi County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is limited to households' primary residence on Hawaiʻi Island.
ERAP nonprofit partners include:
ERAP Qualifications
Required Documents
Proof of Resident and Age for Applicant
Apply
Contact one of the ERAP nonprofit partners:
HOPE
357 Waianuenue Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
www.hopeserviceshawaii.org
808.935.3050
ERAP@hopeserviceshawaii.org
HFFFCU
1221 Kilauea Avenue, Suite 150
Hilo, HI 96720
www.hawaiifirstfcu.com
808.933.6600
empower@hawaiifirstfcu.com
NPP
16-105 Opukahaia Street
Keaau, HI 96749
www.neighborhoodplace.org
808-965-5550
ERAP@neighborhoodplace.org
HFHHI
73-4161 Uluwini Place
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
www.habitathawaiiisland.org/
808.843.0071
rmap@habitathawaiiisland.org
TSA
219 Ponahawai Street
Hilo, HI 97620
hawaii.salvationarmy.org
808.935.1277
Hilo.ERAP@usw.salvationarmy.org
HCEOC
47 Rainbow Drive
Hilo, HI 96720
www.hceoc.net
808.932.2714
ERAP@hceoc.net
- Rent and utility grants to an estimated 3,400 households from March 2020 to December 2021
- Households will be limited to 12 months of total grant assistance
ERAP nonprofit partners include:
- HOPE Services Hawaiʻi (HOPE)
- Hawaiʻi First Federal Credit Union (HFFCU)
- Neighborhood Place of Puna (NPP)
- Habitat for Humanity Hawaiʻi Island (HFHHI)
- The Salvation Army (TSA)
- Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council (HCEOC)
ERAP Qualifications
- Be a Hawai'i Island resident
- At least 18 years old
- Experience financial hardship due to COVID-19, and
- 2020 or current annual gross household income at or below 80% of area median income for the number of members in their household.
- ERAP will give priority households at or below 50% of AMI with household members who have been unemployed for 90 days preceding the date of the application. An estimated 75% of all funding will go to households are this income level.
Required Documents
Proof of Resident and Age for Applicant
- Copy of photo ID
- 1040 Federal Tax Form for 2020
- 30 days most recent pay stubs
- 2 months most recent business bank statements (if self-employed)
- Unemployment or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefit letter
- Public benefit statements
- Copy of rental lease/contract
- 30 days of paystubs for February 2020
- Unemployment or PUA approval letter
- Letter from employer verifying job loss or reduced work hours
- Business bank statements for January and February 2020 (if self-employed)
- Past due rent notice
- Eviction notice
- Past due utility notice
Apply
Contact one of the ERAP nonprofit partners:
HOPE
357 Waianuenue Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
www.hopeserviceshawaii.org
808.935.3050
ERAP@hopeserviceshawaii.org
HFFFCU
1221 Kilauea Avenue, Suite 150
Hilo, HI 96720
www.hawaiifirstfcu.com
808.933.6600
empower@hawaiifirstfcu.com
NPP
16-105 Opukahaia Street
Keaau, HI 96749
www.neighborhoodplace.org
808-965-5550
ERAP@neighborhoodplace.org
HFHHI
73-4161 Uluwini Place
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
www.habitathawaiiisland.org/
808.843.0071
rmap@habitathawaiiisland.org
TSA
219 Ponahawai Street
Hilo, HI 97620
hawaii.salvationarmy.org
808.935.1277
Hilo.ERAP@usw.salvationarmy.org
HCEOC
47 Rainbow Drive
Hilo, HI 96720
www.hceoc.net
808.932.2714
ERAP@hceoc.net
O'ahu
The City and County of Honolulu's Rental & Utility Relief Program will help qualified people on Oʻahu.
Eligibility Requirements
Documents Needed
Apply
Those who need language assistance or other help, can call (808) 768-2489 (CITY).
See the FAQ for more details.
- Up to $2,500 a month for unpaid rent and electricity, sewer and water, or gas bills
- Up to $2,000 for current or future rent payments
- Up to $500 a month for current or future electricity, water and sewer, or gas bills
- Bills going back to March 13, 2020, current bills, or future bills
- Total payments can be up to 12 months
Eligibility Requirements
- The household can show financial harm from the pandemic and at least one member is at risk of losing their housing, and
- The household is at 50% annual median income or lower. For a household of four, that is $62,950 a year or less.
- Or, a household can qualify if at least one member has been unemployed for 90 days at the time of application.
Documents Needed
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of Oʻahu residency
- Rent agreement
- Past due rent or utility notice
- Income verification documents for all household members, such as tax documents or pay stubs
- Proof of COVID-19 pandemic related hardship, such as an Unemployment Insurance letter
Apply
- Oneoahu.org/renthelp
- Or with a community partner assisted application
- Multiple applications will be disqualified
- After applying, you will receive a confirmation email from kokua@hawaiiancouncil.org
Those who need language assistance or other help, can call (808) 768-2489 (CITY).
See the FAQ for more details.
SUBSIDIZED HOUSING & SECTION 8 ASSISTANCE
If you live in public housing or have a Section 8 voucher or other federally subsidized housing you are protected by the Federal eviction moratorium if you are unable to pay your rent.
You should still be in contact with your landlord, property manager, or Section 8 worker to address your inability to pay to try to work out a plan. Please contact the Section 8 and public housing offices in your county. If you believe your housing has a federal subsidy and is not listed below, contact your landlord directly.
Hawaii Public Housing Authority
Kauai County: County of Kauaʻi Housing Agency
Honolulu County: Department of Community Services
Maui County: Housing Division
Hawaii County: Office of Housing and Community Development
The City and County of Honolulu Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Wait List will be open from Monday, June 14, 2021, 7:45 a.m. through Friday, June 18, 2021, 4:30 p.m.
Apply:
Click here for in-person application locations and more information.
You should still be in contact with your landlord, property manager, or Section 8 worker to address your inability to pay to try to work out a plan. Please contact the Section 8 and public housing offices in your county. If you believe your housing has a federal subsidy and is not listed below, contact your landlord directly.
Hawaii Public Housing Authority
Kauai County: County of Kauaʻi Housing Agency
Honolulu County: Department of Community Services
Maui County: Housing Division
Hawaii County: Office of Housing and Community Development
The City and County of Honolulu Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Wait List will be open from Monday, June 14, 2021, 7:45 a.m. through Friday, June 18, 2021, 4:30 p.m.
Apply:
- Have a valid email address
- Have the names, dates of birth, and social security numbers available for all persons who will be listed on your pre-application.
- Have the monthly gross income (before taxes) for each source of income for all persons listed on your pre-application. You must list all sources of income individually. Please review the income limit table to check for eligibility.
- Complete the pre-application at https://tinyurl.com/oahuhcv
- Submit the pre-application between Monday, June 14, 2021, 7:45 a.m. and Friday, June 18, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. The site will close precisely at 4:30 p.m.
- Your confirmation receipt will be emailed to you.
Click here for in-person application locations and more information.
HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) ASSISTANCE
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has extended the foreclosure and eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021 for homeowners with FHA-insured single family mortgages covered under the CARES Act.
The CARES Act also requires mortgage servicers to allow homeowners to forbear their mortgage payments for six months, plus another six months if requested. The guidance applies to all homeowners with FHA-insured Title II Single Family forward and Home Equity Conversion (reverse) mortgages. It halts all new foreclosure actions and suspends any foreclosures in process and stops all evictions of persons from FHA-insured single-family properties. For more information, see the press release from HUD.
The CARES Act also requires mortgage servicers to allow homeowners to forbear their mortgage payments for six months, plus another six months if requested. The guidance applies to all homeowners with FHA-insured Title II Single Family forward and Home Equity Conversion (reverse) mortgages. It halts all new foreclosure actions and suspends any foreclosures in process and stops all evictions of persons from FHA-insured single-family properties. For more information, see the press release from HUD.
OTHER FAIR AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING RESOURCES
The National Fair Housing Alliance has released a Summary of Temporary Relief for single family mortgage borrowers impacted by COVID-19 and priorities for the response to the virus.
See the National Housing Preservation Database for a guide of affordable housing across the country.
See the National Housing Preservation Database for a guide of affordable housing across the country.
Hawaii Community Lending
Hawaii Community Lending (HCL) is partnering with the Counties of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Kauai to offer emergency loans for past due rent and first month’s rent/deposit to tenants struggling to make housing payments.
Emergency loans up to $5,000 are available for renters on Oahu, Hawaii Island, and Kauai. The loans are fixed at 6% APR. Interest-only payments are required for the first 6 months followed by principal and interest payments over the next 5 years. There are no credit score or debt-to-income requirements. All HCL emergency loan borrowers are required to complete financial counseling with Hawaiian Community Assets.
To apply, renters need to complete an emergency loan application at www.HawaiianCommunity.net.
Funding for emergency loans is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Renters interested in an emergency loan should apply online or call 808.587.7656 for more information or to request a paper or electronic copy application.
For information about a City and County tax that you, the homeowner, may be eligible for, visit the tax page.
Emergency loans up to $5,000 are available for renters on Oahu, Hawaii Island, and Kauai. The loans are fixed at 6% APR. Interest-only payments are required for the first 6 months followed by principal and interest payments over the next 5 years. There are no credit score or debt-to-income requirements. All HCL emergency loan borrowers are required to complete financial counseling with Hawaiian Community Assets.
To apply, renters need to complete an emergency loan application at www.HawaiianCommunity.net.
Funding for emergency loans is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Renters interested in an emergency loan should apply online or call 808.587.7656 for more information or to request a paper or electronic copy application.
For information about a City and County tax that you, the homeowner, may be eligible for, visit the tax page.
Small business assistance
The Small Business Administration has guidance and loan information on their website. See this SBA map for local resources.
The State of Hawai'i is offering small business loans under its disaster loan program. For more information and how to apply, visit the Business Development and Support Division website.
The State of Hawai'i is offering small business loans under its disaster loan program. For more information and how to apply, visit the Business Development and Support Division website.
For more information on financial assistance:
