Rent hike scare sparks panic in elderly residents

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Ainahau Vista in Waikiki is an affordable housing complex, and home to a number of seniors citizens. Many of them rely on Section 8 and other assistance to pay the bills.

But an incorrect letter about rental increases recently sent to residents caused panic and worry for some.

Multiple residents who pay about $1,100 a month were notified rent was doubling to $2,210 on Jan. 1.

“I opened it up [I thought it would] probably say $40 more,” longtime resident David Hecht said. “I see it’s $2,200 something and I said, holy moly.”

Many got the initial notice, but only some got a follow-up letter days later, saying the increases actually weren’t that high, and their new rate would only jump to about $1,200.

EAH Housing manages the property, and confirmed a clerical error led to the incorrect letters being sent out. They said as soon as the issue was identified, they corrected it and sent out updated notices on Nov. 6.

State Rep. Adrian Tam, who represents Waikiki, said, “I cannot imagine what many of these residents are going through to get that kind of letter and not have any kind of recourse because all of them are on fixed income.”

In a statement, management said, quote:

“EAH Housing is committed to transparency and to maintaining affordable, high-quality housing for seniors and families across Hawaiʻi. Ainahau Vista I has not seen a rent increase in more than two years, and rents at the property remain below the maximum amounts allowed by the program.”

Rates wouldn’t be allowed to double since HUD does have a 10% increase limit for affordable housing.

“I just pray that you know maybe politicians, hello, yeah, bring on rent control. I was just sharing that. Maybe we need to go to the Capitol and hold a sign: Rent Control,” said Doreen Kamakea, who recently moved into the building.

While the rates will see a marginal increase, some residents still want help for kupuna in the bigger picture, and housing throughout Hawaii that remains truly affordable.

“How affordable is it, $2,000 for one bedroom? How affordable is it? And most of the seniors cannot even buy their food because the whole check goes towards the rent,” Kamakea said.