The Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission (HCRC), together with various statewide agencies, is preparing for a pivotal Fair Housing Month Conference on April 24, 2025, taking place from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The event aims to enhance knowledge about fair housing laws, offering important insights into Hawaiʻi’s fair housing protections and providing useful information for both tenants and property owners.
HCRC Executive Director Marcus Kawatachi emphasized the importance of housing equity, stating, "Fair housing is more than a legal obligation—it is essential to fostering inclusive communities." Kawatachi further noted that the event serves as an educational opportunity, vital for ensuring equal housing access devoid of discrimination across Hawaiʻi.
Hawaiʻi’s comprehensive fair housing statute, initially enacted in 1967 as Act 103 and currently part of the Hawaii Revised Statutes as Chapter 515, prohibits discrimination in housing based on various personal characteristics such as race, sex, and more. The state law aligns with the federal Fair Housing Act, reinforcing civil rights protections in the realm of housing.
Collaborating closely with the HCRC are the Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority, Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Department of Hawaiian Homelands, county housing agencies, and the Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi. Together, these entities work to enforce these housing protections and address any breaches effectively.
In support of these ongoing initiatives, Governor Josh Green, M.D., has declared April as Fair Housing Month in Hawaiʻi. He calls upon residents and organizations alike to support the principles of equal housing opportunity.
For additional details, interested parties are encouraged to reach out to the Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission at 808-586-8636.
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