LIHU‘E — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced last week that the extension of a ban on evictions issued earlier this week applies to almost the entire state of Hawai‘i.
The counties of Hawai‘i, Maui, Kaua‘i and the City &County of Honolulu have either substantial (orange) or high (red) community transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19, according to a map. Only Kalawao County, essentially Kalaupapa on Moloka‘i, has a low level of transmission.
The CDC’s eviction order only applies to “covered persons.” To be eligible, tenants/renters must attest that they have used best efforts to obtain all available governmental assistance for housing, and they must have made not more than $99,000 as an individual, not more than $198,000 as a joint filer, or are not required to report any income.
“Kaua‘i’s case counts are rising rapidly, and this new order to temporarily pause evictions is meant to prevent the further spread of COVID-19,” Mayor Derek Kawakami said in a statement.
“But in order to qualify for eviction protection under the new order, renters must fill out the CDC declaration form. Remember, there is still funding available under Kaua‘i’s Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance program,” he said.
Use kauairenthelp.com/home to apply for financial assistance.
Renters should fill out the CDC declaration form to see if they qualify. If a renter qualifies, they must provide the completed and signed CDC declaration form to their landlord or landlord’s representative. Renters who don’t will not be protected from eviction.
“I encourage renters to apply for rental assistance, as counties have funding available,” Gov. David Ige said in a release.
Landlords and tenants should seek legal assistance if they have any questions regarding their rights and the impact of the CDC order.
The temporary eviction ban will continue until a county no longer has substantial or high levels of community transmission for 14 consecutive days or on Oct. 3, whichever comes earlier.
