Residents Urged to Seek Mediation, Assistance as the Eviction Moratorium Expires

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.

“We want our residents to know that there is still time to seek help, and resources are available,” said Mayor Derek SK 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.”

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 [email protected] for assistance.

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