More Oʻahu families can qualify for City’s Rental and Utility Relief Program

HONOLULU – More than 11,000 families have received support from the City and County of Honolulu’s Rental and Utility Relief Program (RURP) and new federal eligibility rules mean more of our neighbors on Oʻahu can now qualify for help. The program is expanding eligibility to include renters who have suffered economic harm during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, renters were required to prove hardship due to the pandemic.

Examples of economic harm during the pandemic include:

• Loss of income since March 13, 2020;

• Loss of a job or reduced hours since March 13, 2020;

• An increase in household costs during the pandemic since March 13, 2020;

• Expanded eligibility means these hardships do not need to be directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program is also increasing the length of support to 18 months, up from the 12 months available previously. Changes in eligibility and length of support are due to new funding rules from the Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

“Thanks to the dedication of our community partners, Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, this program has become a foundation of our work to create a fair and equitable recovery,” said Amy Asselbaye, Executive Director of the Office of Economic Revitalization. “Now, more local families, keiki, and kūpuna will be able to stay safely in their homes. Stable housing plays a major role in keeping our recovery moving forward and protecting the community’s wellbeing.”

Rob Van Tassell, CEO, and President of Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, noted, “In our continued partnership with the City, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i is committed to helping people stay safely housed through this rent relief program. This latest round of federal assistance will be beneficial to those with extended loss of employment or continuing to face a reduction in work hours during the pandemic.”

Kūhiō Lewis, President and CEO of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, said, “This much needed financial assistance will allow us to continue to help those still suffering from the loss of work during the COVID-19 pandemic. CNHA is proud to continue our relationship with the City to provide these resources to those most in need in our community.”

In addition, new guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury will expand eligibility for some Oʻahu residents:

• People living on leasehold property can qualify for their leasehold fees to be paid by the program. However, leasehold mortgage payments are not eligible expenses.

• People legally living on boats can have their mooring fees paid by the program. However, any mortgage or loan payment for the vessel itself would not qualify.

• All households must meet eligibility requirements to qualify.

To speed up application processing, each household should apply only once. Removing duplicate applications takes time and slows down getting help to eligible families.

Since the program began in April 2021, the City’s Rental and Utility Relief Program has injected $115 million in federal funds into Oʻahu’s recovery. The City expects to invest a total of $200 million or more in rent and utility relief for our community.

Renters or landlords with questions should visit oneoahu.org/renthelp and review the FAQ. If the FAQ does not answer all their questions, they are encouraged to call 808-768-CITY (2489). The City’s call center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week, except for City holidays.

—PAU—