This month, the state of Hawaii announced a program for homeowners on the island of Oahu, which offers assistance to those who have been heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a Feb. 2 Facebook post, Gov. David Ige (D) wrote, "A new program has launched that can help Oahu homeowners negatively impacted by the pandemic. Based on your eligibility, applicants can receive up to $30K in funding to help cover mortgages, property taxes, utility payments, homeowner association payments and more. The funding is available through the American Rescue Plan Act. Oahu homeowners will only be able to qualify for mortgage assistance if their bank or loan servicer signs up to participate in the program. To see if you meet eligibility requirements: HawaiianCouncil.org/OahuHome."
Those who want to take part in the program must meet the guidelines and requirements, which place restrictions on income and demographics. The funds will assist with a variety of needs for those who qualify.
In order to qualify to receive the funds, you must be an Oahu resident, 18 or older and a homeowner. Your Area Median Income must be at or below 100%, per Housing and Urban Development guidelines, and you must prove financial hardship associated with the COVID-19 pandemic after Jan 21, 2020. Housing Counseling and Legal Aid Services may be required, if applicable to your situation. Your household can't have an interest (full or partial) in other real estate property besides your primary residence. And your household can't have more than five months of housing expenses in liquid assets.
According to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, the purpose of the program is as follows: "Seeing the community need during this pandemic, The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement is providing mortgage and utility assistance, as well as housing and legal counseling, for homeowners on Oahu impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic."