William Ailā, head of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) spoke today at Governor David Ige’s media update on COVID-19.  He said the department is launching a new program to provide rental relief for people who are on the Applicant Waiting List as beneficiaries eligible to get DHHL properties.  The program is in partnership with Aloha United Way (AUW).

DHHL’s COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program will provide eligible beneficiaries with rental assistance using $7 million in Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant funds.

Ailā said that DHHL started by implementing mortgage relief programs for exisiting homesteaders.  He  estimated that more than 2,500 households can be saved from eviction.

Eligible native Hawaiians on DHHL’s Applicant Waiting List who have experienced a loss of income or job as a result of COVID-19 may receive assistance for the payment of their security deposit and/or rent for up to six months.

Get all the details about the Emergency Rental Assistance Program by clicking here.

To apply for DHHL’s COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program, call Aloha United Way by dialing 2-1-1.

Learn the latest about COVID-19 impacts on DHHL activities by visiting dhhl.hawaii.gov/covid-19.

Photo is William Aila, courtesy DHHL.