HONOLULU — The City and County of Honolulu’s Rental and Utility Relief Program will hold an enrollment event for new applicants on Aug. 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Makiki District Park (Old Makiki Community Library) located at 1527 Keeaumoku St., Bldg. 42, second floor in Honolulu.

What You Need To Know

  • As the RURP winds down, past participants are being transitioned to what is called Housing Stabilization Services through which RURP providers Catholic Charities Hawaii and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement will continue to provide long-term housing assistance to eligible renters

  • Housing Stabilization Services include housing counseling and case management; eviction diversion and mediation for renters and landlords; referral to job training and other social services; and financial literacy training for household budgets and family finances

Appointments are required to attend the event. Applicants can contact the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement to make an appointment at 808-596-8155 or rurp@hawaiiancouncil.org. Funding is limited and no application is guaranteed funding.

New applicants should bring the following items:

  • Government ID card for the head of household
  • Signed Social Security cards for everyone over 18
  • Valid rental agreement
  • Proof of financial hardship since March 13, 2020
  • Documents of income for every household member
  • Unpaid rent or utility bills or an eviction notice

“The Rental and Utility Relief Program, in collaboration with our remarkable partners Catholic Charities Hawaii and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, has been a lifeline for our community throughout the pandemic and for those still facing financial difficulties,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi in a news release.

“Their efforts have stopped thousands of evictions, preserved family units, and secured housing stability for many. Our Housing Stabilization Services will build on this essential work, supporting families with services to keep them safely housed,” Blangiardi said.

District 5 Councilmember Calvin say said, “I am deeply thankful for the city’s Rental and Utility Relief Program. There remains a critical need for housing and utility support for our families. This program is essential in aiding our community’s recovery and rebuilding efforts post-pandemic.”

According to the city, the RURP has injected over $300 million into Oahu’s economy, earning the U.S. Department of Treasury’s recognition as one of the nation’s top rent and utility relief projects.

As the RURP winds down, past participants are being transitioned to what is called Housing Stabilization Services through which RURP providers Catholic Charities Hawaii and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement will continue to provide long-term housing assistance to eligible renters.

Housing Stabilization Services include housing counseling and case management; eviction diversion and mediation for renters and landlords; referral to job training and other social services; and financial literacy training for household budgets and family finances.

Contact Catholic Charities Hawaii at 808-524-4673 and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement at 808-596-8155 for information.

Oahu renters also have other options for assistance to stay safely housed or to pay some household bills:

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

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