Maui housing advocates beg governor to close loophole on evictions
WAILUKU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Maui housing advocates held a news conference in Wailuku on Thursday.
Hawaii Workers Center and Maui Tenants and Workers Association are asking the governor to close loopholes in his emergency proclamation to stop more people from becoming homeless.
They are also asking the mayor to use his powers to help.
“I feel like I’m a victim,” said Kahului resident Lori Rabanes, who has a household of 17 people.
One by one, a handful of residents shared their stories outside the county building Thursday afternoon.
They all have one thing in common.
They were each handed an eviction letter by their landlords, and they have nowhere to go.
They believe their landlords are kicking them out so they can get more money from FEMA for housing fire survivors.
“I am currently homeless since January 31st,” said Christie Cummings.
“My two boys that are foster, and who came off the streets, and they are afraid. They are 16 and 17 and we are going to go right back on that street. And they told me no, we’ve been there, mama, we’ve been there,” Rabanes said.
The governor’s ninth emergency proclamation is set to expire next month. There is an eviction moratorium. However, right now, it only protects tenants who fail to pay rent.
“My husband is talking about moving off island. I don’t want to move. I’m born and raised here. Why do I have to move because I can’t find a home?” said Rabanes.
Rabanes said her landlord told her that their relatives are now moving into the property, so Rabanes and her family of 17 can no longer stay there.
The Department of the Attorney General said landlords have rights.
“Landlords have the right, under the law, to decide not to renew a fixed-term lease when the contracted end date is reached,” the Department of the Attorney General said in a statement.
Housing advocates are asking the governor to extend his emergency proclamation, and to also include prohibiting evictions if the landlord wants to sell, renovate, or move in family members.
There is a meeting about temporary housing information this Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at the Sheraton in Kaanapali.
Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
