Hawaii is facing a worsening housing crisis, with evictions rising across the islands as many residents struggle to cover rent amid financial difficulties. In October, The Mediation Center of the Pacific reported its highest number of eviction-related cases in a single month, as per KITV.
One notable case involved a married couple, both federal employees, who were evicted during the government shutdown due to lost income. The Mediation Center is working to mediate between tenants and landlords to reduce evictions and help residents stay in their homes, according to KITV.
Evictions are rising on Maui after the 2023 fire moratorium ended in February. Larry Keanini, 74, faces eviction from his Kahului apartment and told Hawaii News Now, "We’re too old to go back on the streets, and I feel about my wife too, she’s old. I know she’s trying to take care of me, I’m trying to take care of her." Community groups are seeing more demand for help, with Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers reporting near-capacity levels and a fourfold increase in eviction-related calls compared to last year. Lisa Darcy of Share Your Mana said, "One of the issues that we are looking to solve is to really identify people that are cycling in these conditions."
Hawaii residents needing help with evictions or other assistance can contact The Mediation Center of the Pacific at 808-521-6767 or visit mediatehawaii.org. On Maui, people can reach Maui Mediation Services at 808-344-4255 or the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii Maui Branch at 808-536-4302.
