Mayor Provides Assurances on Eviction Moratorium, Shares Plans to Increase Homeless Shelter Space

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino. PC: County of Maui / Akakū

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino reminded the public that Maui County residents are protected by an eviction moratorium under state emergency rules.

He said that with thousands of our residents out of work, it is important for everyone to know that no one can be evicted from a residential dwelling for failure to pay rent, at least until April 30.

He responded to concerns raised by council members saying, “Some council members have come to me and said they know of people that are being evicted and they’re living in their cars and that they’re getting cited with $5,000 citations.  I checked with the police department.  At this time, no one that they can recall has been cited for living in their car.  They try to advise them of safe areas, so we’re looking at opening up some safe zones if that’s what’s needed.”

Mayor Victorino said the county is also looking to add more homeless shelter space in cooperation with the carpenters union and HPM–the company that constructed emergency shelters on Hawaiʻi Island in Hilo.

“And so those that are living in a home, a condo, a cottage or whatever, you’re safe.  We are looking for rental assistance.  We are looking for many other programs to keep you in place–to make sure you don’t lose your rental.  We have monies coming in from the feds, some from the state.  A lot of it is our county money, but you deserve it because you’ve helped us become strong financially, and so now we need to help you–the 30,000 unemployed workers that are out there–you can rest assured, we’ll do our best,” said Mayor Victorino.

Governor David Ige’s Fifth Supplemental Proclamation includes a provision about non-payment of rent. However, a tenant may be required to move if there’s a material breach of a rental agreement or lease, or if the unit is unfit for occupancy. The governor’s proclamation expires April 30, 2020, but it may be extended.

Residents who need more information on the eviction moratorium can call (808) 586-2634 from 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. Another resource is the Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi, which can be reached at 1-800-499-4302.

The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs resources can be accessed at https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/covid19/. The website provides information and resources for:

• Landlord-Tenant Guidance
• Price Gouging
• Financial and Mortgage Relief Options
• Consumer Scam Alerts
• Free Credit Reports
• Travel Cancellation
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Warnings
• Business and Health Insurance Questions
• Hawaiʻi Attorney General’s Office Resources
• For landlord tenant frequently asked questions, go to https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/landlord-tenant-faqs/
• The Landlord-Tenant code can be found at https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/landlord_tenant/