The eviction moratorium is seeing its final days after Gov. David Ige (D) notified the public that the last day will be Friday, Aug. 6.
Protecting renters from facing eviction from their landlords, the moratorium was set in place on April 17, 2020, to help renters who couldn't make their rent payments due to financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“At that time, the COVID-19 pandemic caused travel around the world to come to a halt. Hundreds of thousands of Hawaii residents who depend on the visitor industry for their livelihood were out of work, and I issued the first moratorium to prevent mass evictions,” Gov. Ige said, according to a press release from the Office of the Governor. “The pandemic is not yet over, but thanks to safe and effective vaccines, many residents are now back at work.”
Mediation allows a renter the opportunity to negotiate a payment plan or new lease terms with the landlord. Mediation companies can also assist with applying for rental assistance.
“The Judiciary has been working since last year with agencies and community partners across the state to prepare for the expected increase in eviction case filings once the moratorium is lifted,” Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald said, according to the Office of the Governor. “We are grateful to those partners for their efforts. I also want to thank Gov. Ige and the Legislature, especially Reps. Troy Hashimoto and Nadine Nakamura, for working collaboratively to enact legislation to help tenants and landlords resolve their disputes during these unprecedented times.”
Individuals at risk for eviction can contact the Hawaii County Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The program assists residents who have lost or reduced income due to COVID-19 and need help paying rent, utility bills or both.
According to the website's FAQs, to qualify for the Hawaii County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, you must be a Hawaii County renter, at least 18 years old and have lost or reduced income due to COVID-19. Additionally, your household income must be less than the following limits: $47,500 for 1 person, $54,800 for two, $61,650 for three, $68,500 for four, $74,000 for five, $79,500 for six, $84,950 for seven, $90,450 for eight. An additional $5,000 is added for each household member past eight.
“We passed legislation this year to support the thousands who may become homeless once the eviction moratorium is lifted," Sen. Sharon Moriwaki (D-Honolulu) said, according to the Governor's Office. "Act 57 gives time for landlords and tenants to work together on a payment plan before the moratorium ends on Aug. 6. Through mediation, a payment plan can be negotiated so landlords can begin getting the back rent owed and tenants can remain in their homes. This is a great opportunity for our community to come together to help each other."