Maui Landlord Summit to Discuss Affordable Housing

The Realtors Association of Maui will co-host the second annual Maui Landlord Summit on Tuesday, July 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Maui Beach Hotel in Kahului.

Maui Now stock photo. June 2016.

The free event is aimed towards current and future landlords and property managers to learn how they can help reduce homelessness by making more rental dwellings available to those who need housing the most.

RAM says that the summit was designed to bring landlords into the same room as the agencies that provide financial support and other services to housing-challenged residents. The summit aims to demystify Maui County’s Section 8 Program and other support services, while educating property owners and property managers about the social service programs and services available to them.

The Maui Landlord Summit will also feature discussions on a variety of landlord-specific issues and a panel discussion featuring speakers from various agencies.

“Maui has a severe housing shortage, and as leaders on housing issues, the Realtors Association of Maui feels it is our duty to raise awareness, educate others and help find solutions,” said RAM Government Affairs Director Lawrence Carnicelli. “Housing is difficult for many Maui families. By working with landlords and the multitude of agencies gathering at the Maui Landlord Summit, we hope to help some of these families find a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Agencies participating in this year’s event include RAM, the Governor’s Office, Mayor Alan Arakawa, Maui County’s Section 8 Program, Department of Veteran Affairs, Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers, Family Life Center, Women Helping Women, Catholic Charities, Mental Health Kokua and Maui Economic Opportunity.

“This may be only one step, but we, as an organization, are trying to do everything we can,” Carnicelli said. “Maui is a small community—and one big ohana.”

All property owners or representatives of property owners are encouraged to attend. Advanced registration is required and the deadline to register is Monday, July 3. Lunch is included in the event.

To register, call 270-7805 or email director.hhc@mauicounty.gov.