Maui Gets $40 Million for Rent/Utility Assistance in Next Round of COVID Relief

The County will receive $40 million in federal funds to assist with rent and utilities as part of the next round of COVID-19 relief funding.  

Mayor Michael Victorino said the funding will be allocated to help with utility bill and rental assistance for households earning up to 80 percent of area median income that have lost income due to COVID-19 and are at risk of homelessness. 

“We are thankful to the Federal government, the state’s administrative and legislative branches, and to our own Maui County team for working so hard to ensure those who are in real need, through no fault of their own, will get the help they need,” said Mayor Victorino. “This will also come as welcome news to landlords, many of whom have struggled alongside their tenants over the past several months.”

The County of Maui’s Department of Housing & Human Concerns will solicit Requests for Proposals from nonprofit agencies with the capability, knowledge and experience to administer rental assistance programs using public funds.

An initial release of $15 million is expected within a few weeks. Additional funds will be disbursed once the County commits at least 70 percent of initial funds. Overall, 65 percent of the allocation must be expended by September 2021 to release the remainder of the funds. The entire $40 million must be used by year’s end.