Scores rally on Maui to call for extension of tenant rent, eviction protections

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Scores of Maui residents gathered Monday to call for an extension of protections aimed at keeping people in their homes.

“It’s too soon. Our people have not gotten their feet under them. They have not gotten a chance to process the trauma,” Maui Tenants Association spokesperson Nara Boone said.

Those rallying are asking that Gov. Josh Green extend the Maui eviction moratorium and rent freeze until everyone displaced by the August wildfires secures permanent housing.

“You promised us that you would help, and we need more help. My grandchildren, my children, we lost all of our homes,” said Stephanie Smyte, who lost her Lahaina home in the fires.

Meanwhile on Monday, the state Attorney General’s Office is asking people to report illegal residential rent increases and evictions on Maui.

The office said they want tenants to inform the state if their landlords illegally raise their rents or threaten them with eviction for failure to pay rent, taxes, or fees.

The AG said It does not matter if the landlord re-rents the property to a new tenant or enters into a new agreement with the same tenant — the rent cannot exceed what it was on Aug. 9.

The proclamation is set to end on Nov. 6, however.

If you want to report a landlord, email hawaiiag@hawaii.gov.