HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-07-26ResidentsurgedtoseekmediationavailableassistanceastheevictionmoratoriumendsonAugust6DEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: July 26, 2021
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
HOUSING AGENCY
ADAM ROVERSI, DIRECTOR
(808) 241-4444
Residents urged to seek mediation, available assistance as the eviction moratorium
expires on August 6
LĪHU‘E – Kaua‘i residents are urged to prepare for the end of the state’s eviction moratorium
which expires on Friday, Aug. 6.
The moratorium which has been in place since April 2020, has prevented landlords from evicting
renters who fell behind on payments. After Aug. 6, landlords will again have the right to evict tenants
who have not paid their rent, while also following a new state law which has made significant changes to
the landlord-tenant code.
The recently adopted Act 57 gives renters the right to mediation and more time to seek
assistance before eviction. Additionally, the courts can only consider summary possession cases for
those owing four months of back rent or more. After Aug. 6, landlords can notify tenants that they will
begin the eviction process if they do not schedule a mediation session within 15 days of the notice or
pay the rent.
For more information about Kaua‘i’s mediation program, please call the Kaua‘i Economic
Opportunity Mediation Program at (808) 245-4077, extension 29 or extension 237. You may also email
mediation@keoinc.org for assistance.
“We want our residents to know that there is still time to seek help, and resources are
available,” said Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami. “We are working together with our partner agencies and
service providers to keep people in their homes after the eviction moratorium expires. Please consider
these resources, know your rights, and seek assistance if needed.”
Applications are still being accepted for Kaua‘i’s Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance
program. Eligible applicants may receive up to $4,500 per month for rent and no cap per month for
qualifying utilities. For more information, visit www.KauaiRentHelp.com/home.
Other Resources:
• DHHL Emergency Rental Assistance Program: hawaiiancouncil.org/dhhl. Must be Native
Hawaiian.
• Landlord Tenant Information Center: (808)586-2634 or
https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/landlord_tenant/
• Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i: https://www.legalaidhawaii.org/i-cant-pay-my-rent-
mortgage.html
• Mediation Center of the Pacific: https://www.mediatehawaii.org/landlordtenant
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