Maui, HI – In response to the recent wildfires that devastated parts of Maui, Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi will be hosting free legal clinics for the public and individuals who have been impacted by the disaster. The clinics will be held on February 1, 2 and 3 at various locations.

On February 1, from 3 to 5 p.m., the clinic will be held at the Keōpūolani Hale, Kamehameha Schools Maui, Makawao.

On February 2, from 4 to 6 p.m., the clinic will be held at the CNHA Kako’o Maui at Maui Mall, Kahului.

The topics for both days will include landlord/tenant code and tenant rights, fair housing/housing discrimination issues, and protections included in the governor’s emergency proclamation for tenants.

On February 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the clinic will take place at the Lahaina Civic Center. Topics covered on this day include housing, legal education and resources, FEMA appeals, unemployment and public assistance, immigration, and family law.

“We are excited about the opportunity to engage with the community, particularly during this critical time,” said Legal Aid Managing Attorney Nick Severson. “These clinics are a great opportunity for those impacted both directly and indirectly by the Maui fires to learn about state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination in the housing market, the protections of the governor's emergency proclamations related to the wildfires, and general tenant rights.”

Free interpretation will be available in Japanese, Chuukese, Ilocano, Tagalog and Spanish.

Staff will also be able to provide information on other services available from Legal Aid and will complete intakes for those interested in applying for services on the spot.

The Kona Self-Help Center (SHC) will re-open for in-person services on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, starting on January 24, 2024. Remote operations will continue on the other Wednesdays of the month (phone number: 808-909-2843). 
 
Volunteer attorneys will be available to provide limited legal information to self-represented litigants on Civil District and Family Court matters.    
 
The Kona SHC is located on the First Floor of the Kona (Keahuolu) Courthouse and is open on Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., as long as a volunteer attorney is available to staff the SHC. No appointments are needed.
 
The Kona SHC is operated by a three-way partnership between the Judiciary of the State of Hawaiʻi, the West Hawaiʻi Bar Association/Hawaiʻi State Bar Association, and the Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi.