Last updated 10/16/2020
UTILIty Assistance PROGRAMS
IMPORTANT: The State of Hawai'i CARES Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program has stopped taking new applications because they reached their capacity.
To see more information on housing and financial assistance programs available (i.e. rental assistance and mortgage payment assistance), please click here for comprehensive guide.
To see more information on housing and financial assistance programs available (i.e. rental assistance and mortgage payment assistance), please click here for comprehensive guide.
Maui County HELP through Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. provides Maui residents with financial assistance for rent/mortgage, utilities, food, internet, medical, and other essential needs.
Apply though Maui Economic Opportunity Inc.: website or call (808) 245-2990; (808) 249-2980
- Funds are based on family size (see website chart)
- Applications will be accepted until October 31, 2020, 11:59 pm.
Apply though Maui Economic Opportunity Inc.: website or call (808) 245-2990; (808) 249-2980
Hawai’i County CARES COVID-19 Utility Bill Support provides utility (gas, electric, or non-government water) bill assistance.
Apply through Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council: website or call (808) 961-2681
- Up to $500 for utilities (cannot receive LIHEAP)
- Eligible households must be at or below 100% of area median income (see website chart)
Apply through Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council: website or call (808) 961-2681
HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANY (heco)
HECO will suspend residential and commercial service disconnections through December 31, 2020 for nonpayment.
Customers facing financial hardship are urged to call customer service in order to set up payment plans and options. Customers can access customer care on the HECO website, or at:
Customers facing financial hardship are urged to call customer service in order to set up payment plans and options. Customers can access customer care on the HECO website, or at:
- O'ahu: (808) 548-7311
- Maui: (808) 871-9777
- Moloka'i and Lana'i: 1-877-871-8461
- Hilo: (808) 969-6999
- Kona: (808) 329-3584
- Waimea: (808) 885-4605
UTILITIES ASSISTANCE
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Households in need of utility payment assistance may be eligible for up to $1000 of LIHEAP COVID-19 Disaster Energy Crisis Intervention Assistance. Visit the appropriate website for more information:
Covid-19 Rent and Utilities Assistance (CRUA) Program
United Way across the state has collaborated on the COVID-19 Rent and Utilities Assistance (CRUA) Program to help individuals and families who need help making rent or utility payments. For information, see this flyer. Please contact 211, or call 1-877-275-6569 to apply for up to $1000 in assistance.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Households in need of utility payment assistance may be eligible for up to $1000 of LIHEAP COVID-19 Disaster Energy Crisis Intervention Assistance. Visit the appropriate website for more information:
Covid-19 Rent and Utilities Assistance (CRUA) Program
United Way across the state has collaborated on the COVID-19 Rent and Utilities Assistance (CRUA) Program to help individuals and families who need help making rent or utility payments. For information, see this flyer. Please contact 211, or call 1-877-275-6569 to apply for up to $1000 in assistance.
Charter spectrum
Spectrum has suspended service disconnections to any residential or small business customer due to disruption caused by COVID-19 or inability to pay bills. Late fees will also be waived.
Spectrum is also offering free Spectrum Internet and Wi-Fi access for 60 days (beginning Sept 21) to households with K-12th graders, college students, and/or educators who do not currently have service. Call (844) 310-1198 to enroll. A free self-installation kit will be provided.
It will continue to offer Spectrum Internet Access to eligible low-income households, and will be opening Wi-Fi hotspots for public use.
Spectrum is also offering free Spectrum Internet and Wi-Fi access for 60 days (beginning Sept 21) to households with K-12th graders, college students, and/or educators who do not currently have service. Call (844) 310-1198 to enroll. A free self-installation kit will be provided.
It will continue to offer Spectrum Internet Access to eligible low-income households, and will be opening Wi-Fi hotspots for public use.
BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY
Your water is safe to drink. The water system is a closed pressurized system and it is nearly impossible to introduce foreign objects, bacteria or viruses into the system. The water is disinfected with chlorine at levels that are effective in killing bacteria and viruses. Testing is conducted daily to ensure disinfection levels are maintained and the water is safe to drink.
The Board of Water Supply has suspended water shut-offs through December 31, 2020. Customers with outstanding balances should call (808) 748-5070 to set up a payment plan. Customers who typically pay their bill on Beretania, at a satellite hall, or at a Bank of Hawaii branch should consider paying online, by mail, by phone, or via automatic payments.
The Board of Water Supply is closed pursuant to the Governor and Mayor's "Stay at Home / Work from Home" orders. BWS has also cancelled or postponed all public events/activities to prevent community spread. Visit their website for updates.
The Board of Water Supply has suspended water shut-offs through December 31, 2020. Customers with outstanding balances should call (808) 748-5070 to set up a payment plan. Customers who typically pay their bill on Beretania, at a satellite hall, or at a Bank of Hawaii branch should consider paying online, by mail, by phone, or via automatic payments.
The Board of Water Supply is closed pursuant to the Governor and Mayor's "Stay at Home / Work from Home" orders. BWS has also cancelled or postponed all public events/activities to prevent community spread. Visit their website for updates.
INTERNET AND MOBILE SERVICES
The following companies provide free internet and mobile services for individuals and families needing assistance. Legal Aid does not endorse the organizations sponsoring linked websites, and we do not endorse the views they express or the products/services they offer.
Comcast:
Comcast:
- Free public Wi-Fi for 60 days is available to families who do not have a subscription already.
- Speeds will increase for all new and existing customers.
- Free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12, college students, and/or educators who do not already have a subscription, with waived installation fees.
- Call (844) 310-1198 to enroll.
- Free Altice access for 60 days for households with K-12 and/or college age students who do not currently have home access.
- Altice has pledged to provide affordable options for families. Visit the Altice website for more information.
- AT&T is offering internet access for qualifying limited income households for $10 per month at this link.
- Verizon is willing to work with customers to set up payment plans. If you have not already done so, contact Verizon at this link.
- T-Mobile support is available to help customers set up a payment plan if they are having a difficult time paying the bills. Visit their website or call 611 from your T-Mobile device.
- It is increasing data allowance for free for schools and students using certain learning programs.
- As of April 1, 2020, Sprint is a T-Mobile company. For information about changes in coverage or payment plans, contact T-Mobile.
