HONOLULU — As the city’s pandemic-era Rental and Utility Relief Program continues to wind down and transition to Housing Stabilization Services, first-time applicants are invited to apply for the program on July 17.

What You Need To Know

  • Renters can make an appointment by contacting the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement at 808-596-8155 or emailing rurp@hawaiiancouncil.org

  • Although the RURP is transitioning to Housing Stabilization Services, Catholic Charities Hawaii and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement will continue to provide long-term housing assistance to eligible renters

Appointments are required for the community enrollment event taking place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 17 at Nanakuli Public Library at 89-070 Farrington Hwy. in Waianae.

Renters can make an appointment by contacting the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement at 808-596-8155 or emailing rurp@hawaiiancouncil.org. Funding is limited; applications are not guaranteed funding.

Renters will need to bring with them:

  • Government ID card for the head of household
  • Signed social security cards for everyone in the household who is at least 18 years old
  • Valid rent agreement
  • Proof of financial hardship since March 13, 2020
  • Income documents for every household member
  • Unpaid rent or utility bills or an eviction notice

“The Rental and Utility Relief Program and our extraordinary partners Catholic Charities Hawaii and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement have lifted up our community during the chaos of the pandemic and for those facing ongoing economic challenges,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi in a news release.

“Together, they have prevented thousands of evictions, kept families together, and provided stable housing for our neighbors. Housing Stabilization Services will continue that vital work with families at risk of losing their housing,” said Blangiardi.

According to the city’s Office of Economic Revitalization, the RURP has put over $300 million into Oahu’s economy with the majority going to local landlords and affordable housing units. The U.S. Department of Treasury has recognized the program as one of the nation’s top rent and utility relief projects.

“I want to help local families live in Hawaii for generations to come,” said Councilmember Andria Tupola (District I). “The Rental and Utility Relief Program has been a lifeline for many, and this enrollment event is a crucial opportunity for renters to access support. Please join us and share with those in need.” 

Although the RURP is transitioning to Housing Stabilization Services, Catholic Charities Hawaii and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement will continue to provide long-term housing assistance to eligible renters that includes:

  • Housing counseling and case management
  • Eviction diversion and mediation for renters and landlords
  • Referral to job training and other social services
  • Financial literacy training for household budgets and family finances

There are also other options available for renters to remain housed or to help with paying some household bills:

  • Mediation is a free service that can help renters and landlords agree on payment plans. Renters can contact The Mediation Center of the Pacific at 808-521-6767 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays or visit their website.
  • The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii can advise renters about their rights. Contact them at 808-536-4302 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays or visit their website.
  • The FCC’s Lifeline program can pay up to $111 annual for internet bills. Visit their website to apply.
  • Contact Aloha United Way for a list of relief services by calling 2-1-1 or visiting their website.

To find more support programs offered by nonprofits, visit the Office of Economic Revitalization RURP website.

Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.