County Coronavirus Rental And Utility Assistance Program Reopened

The county is offering to help residents of Kaua‘i who have experienced tough financial times during the coronavirus pandemic.

The county’s Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance Program for renters and landlords is now reopen. The program is administered by Kaua‘i Federal Credit Union, and officials encourage those who need assistance to apply.

“We are incredibly grateful to our partners with Kaua‘i Federal Credit Union for their efforts to continue this program, as many in our community are still struggling to make ends meet,” Mayor Derek Kawakami said in a press release. “We also thank our partners with Hawaiian Community Assets for helping residents who are also preparing to transition out of financial assistance.”

Funding for the program was previously limited to renters and landlords who suffered financial hardship as a direct result of the pandemic. That scope has since expanded, and the program now is available to those who experienced hardship at anytime during the pandemic.

“We want to encourage anyone needing financial assistance to call or email Kaua‘i FCU if they have any questions about eligibility,” county Housing Director Adam Roversi said in the press release. “There may be something we can do that wasn’t an option during our previous program. Please call if you’d like to know what your options are and if there are other resources you may be eligible for and can utilize.”

For more information or to apply for the program, click here, email rent@kauaicreditunion.org or call 808-482-3777.

The county also wants to help renters around the island without assistance from the relief program.

Residents who need assistance transitioning away from Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance Program benefits can contact the Kaua‘i Financial Opportunity Center, which is operated by Hawaiian Community Assets. Counselors certified through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development can work with residents to find financial solutions that fit their family, including grant and loan options.

For assistance and more information, call (808) 784-3841 or email kauaifoc@hawaiiancommunity.net.