LĪHU‘E – The County of Kaua‘i has announced that administration of Kaua‘i's 2021 Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance Program has been awarded to Kaua‘i Government Employees Federal Credit Union (KGEFCU). Applications to the program is anticipated to open the first week of May.

For more information click on the link below:

County announces KGEFCU will administer Kaua‘i’s 2021 Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance Program; applications anticipated to open in May

More Than Words 2021 - Fair Housing Training Seminars_Flyer 2021

Free Fair Housing Training Seminars, Thursdays in April, 2021 - 10:00AM-12:00PM. You may sign up for all or just the topic you are interested in.

DATES and TOPICS:

APRIL 1 - FAIR HOUSING 101: AN OVERVIEW

APRIL 8 - EVICTION MORATORIUM & FAIR HOUSING EXPERTS PANEL

APRIL 15 - RACE, COLOR & NATIONAL ORIGIN

APRIL 22 - SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER & FAMILIAL STATUS

APRIL 29 - DISABILITY & REASONABLE ACCOMODATIONS

TO REGISTER: https://tinyurl.com/nwy2nw8e

Space is limited to the first 1000 attendees.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the Kauai County Housing Agency, pursuant to Sec. 511 of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998, through 24 CFR Part 903, will hold a public hearing on the County’s Public Housing Agency (PHA) Annual Plan for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021 and the County’s Public Housing Agency Revised 5-Year Plan.  The public hearing will be held at the County Housing Agency in Piikoi Meeting Room A/B located in the Piikoi Building at 4444 Rice St., Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii on April 21, 2021 at 2:00PM.

This public hearing will be conducted for the purpose of furnishing citizens with information on the status of the mission, goals and objectives of the revised 5-year PHA Plan that serve the need of low-income and very low-income families during the next year.

All interested persons are invited to attend and to state their views on the proposed plan either orally or in writing.  Written testimonies prior to the hearing would be appreciated.  The Kauai County Housing Agency will fully consider all written and oral submissions and will make a decision with respect to those comments submitted at the public hearing or prior to the close of business on April 20, 2021.  Please send written comments to the Kauai County Housing Agency, 4444 Rice St., Suite 330, Lihue, Hawaii, 96766, Attn: Jennifer Toguchi.

Copies of the PHAs Annual Plan and revised 5-Year plan are available for review to any interested person at the Kauai County Housing Agency between the hours of 8:00AM and 4:00PM, Monday through Friday, except for legal federal and state holidays. Please call our office at (808)241-4440 to request electronic copies of the plans.

Accommodations for persons with special needs and interpreters for non-English speaking citizens will be available at all public hearings and sessions upon written request five business days prior to the meeting date.

Adam Roversi

Housing Director

Kauai County Housing Agency

Publish Date: 3/06/2021             

Save the Dates: Fair Housing 2021: More Than Words - A Series of Free Training Seminars

News Release: County Seeks Proposals from Non-Profits to Administer $22 Million Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance Program

Effective Monday, November 30, 2020, the Kaua‘i County Housing Agency will be closed to walk-in services and will only be available by appointment until further notice.

For our Section 8 Division, existing clients should call their assigned caseworker directly. New clients who have not yet been assigned to a caseworker may call 241-4440.

For assistance from the Development Division, an advance appointment is required. To make an appointment with the staff of the Development Division, please call 241-4444.

When making an appointment, individuals will be required to answer a few brief health and travel-related questions. At the time of the appointment clients may also be required to undergo a temperature check before entering the building.  

The health and safety of the community and our associates continues to be of utmost importance. Social distancing guidelines will be enforced, and masks will be required for entry and service.

For delivery of mortgage and lease payments at any time, or for delivery of Rental Assistance paperwork, the Housing Agency has a secure mailbox located at the Rice Street Entrance to the Pi`ikoi Building. Any documents placed in the secure drop box after 4 p.m. will be marked as received the following business day.

County of Kauai

Legal Public Notice

                 CDBG Application and Annual Action Plan 2021

    Consolidated Plan 2020-2025

To All Interested Agencies, Groups & Persons:

Pursuant to 24 CFR Part 91, notice is hereby given that the Kauai County Housing Agency will hold a virtual public meeting in preparation for the second program year of the Consolidated Plan 2020-2025 (CP) and Annual Action Plan 2021 (AAP), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.  The Housing Agency anticipates receiving an annual allocation funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  The virtual meeting and informational webinar will be held to discuss the use of federal grant funds for community needs, receive public comment and input, and provide information on how to apply for funding.  Under the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, waivers and flexibilities granted by HUD’s Community Planning and Community Acting Assistant Secretary, will be implemented to conduct the virtual meeting and webinar on:

                Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 2:00 pm

Connectivity and registration information to attend the virtual meeting and webinar can be found at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hQrpa7o5RVGd1i-TTfiCAA

The purpose of the CP and the AAP is to ensure that jurisdictions receiving federal assistance plan for housing and community development related needs in a way that improves availability and affordability of decent, safe, and sanitary housing and creates economic opportunities for low- to moderate-income families in our community. The CP focuses on three areas of concern: housing, homelessness, and community development.  To receive funds made available under certain HUD programs, the County must have a housing strategy and CP that has been approved by HUD.

November 17, 2020 - Documents, materials and information on how to apply for CDBG funding will be available at the meeting and posted on the Housing Agency’s website at:  www.kauai.gov/housing/communitydevelopment . A link to online applications will also be available on November 17, 2020.  NO PAPER APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Deadline to submit CDBG applications online is January 8, 2021, at 4:00 p.m.  A recording of the webinar will be available on the website. 

Interested persons are invited to attend the virtual public meeting and provide comments.  Written comments may be mailed to 4444 Rice Street, Suite 330, Lihue, HI 96766 or emailed to kbarros@kauai.gov.  All comments received by December 18, 2020 will be considered in preparing the AAP 2021.

Closed captioning services will be provided for the virtual meeting and webinar.  If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, contact Chong at 241-4444 or email csu@kauai.gov as soon as possible, preferably ten (10) days prior to the meeting date.   If a response is received after that, we will try to obtain the auxiliary aid/service or accommodation, but we cannot guarantee that the request will be fulfilled. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.

By Order of the Mayor

County of Kauai

Derek S. Kawakami

Mayor

(Publish Date: 10/30/2020)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED

RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE

CERTIFICATION OF AFFORDABLE ADDITIONAL RENTAL UNITS

COUNTY OF KAUA‘I HOUSING AGENCY

Pursuant to Section 91-3, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, notice is hereby given that the Housing Agency of the County of Kaua‘i will hold a public hearing and receive public testimony and comments from all interested persons regarding proposed Rules and Regulations Governing the Certification of Affordable Additional Rental Units.

The Housing Agency is proposing to adopt these rules and regulations for the purpose of establishing the requirements and procedures for Owners to certify Additional Rental Units as affordable, in order to qualify for various permit waivers, usage fee waivers, and subsidies, as provided for in the Kauai County Code.

Pursuant to Governor David Ige’s Thirteenth Proclamation Related to the Covid-19 Emergency issued on September 22, 2020, this public hearing shall be conducted by video teleconference.           

The public hearing shall be held on the following date and time:

Monday, November 30, 2020

9:00 a.m.

By Audio Teleconference at:

1-469-848-0234, Conference ID: 282 990 9#

All interested persons may submit data, views, arguments, or other testimony orally or in writing, or both, concerning the proposed rules and regulations. Testimony may be submitted any time up to and including the date of the public hearing, or at the public hearing itself. Persons who wish to present oral testimony may do so via the Microsoft Teams audio conferencing platform by calling the number above, or via the Microsoft Teams video conferencing platform. If you wish to participate via video teleconference, it shall be the responsibility of the testifier to ensure that the Microsoft Teams software is downloaded prior to the hearing. Anyone interested in providing oral testimony by video teleconference must register with the Housing Agency at least one (1) hour prior to the hearing by sending an email to housing@kauai.gov or by calling (808) 241-4444, and providing your name, telephone number, and E-mail address. A link to the video teleconference will be emailed to you following your registration. Advance registration is not required if you wish to participate by audio conference only. Written testimony may be submitted to the Housing Agency by e-mail to housing@kauai.gov, by facsimile to (808) 241-5118, or by U.S. mail to the Housing Agency, whose address is: County of Kaua‘i Housing Agency, 4444 Rice Street, Suite 330, Lihu‘e, HI 96766.

The proposed rules and regulations are available to view here: Proposed Rules Governing ARU Affordability October 2020 Due to the COVID-19 Emergency and pursuant to Governor David Ige’s Thirteenth Proclamation Related to the Covid-19 Emergency, in person reviewing will not be provided.

A copy of the proposed rules will be mailed to any interested person who requests a copy and pays the required fees for the copy and the postage. Requests may be made by calling the Housing Agency at 241-4444 or mailing a request to the Housing Agency at 4444 Rice Street, Suite 330, Līhu‘e, HI  96766.

BY ORDER OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE HOUSING AGENCY OF THE COUNTY OF KAUA‘I

Adam P. Roversi

The State of Hawai‘i’s Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program provides assistance to Hawai‘i renters and homeowners who have experienced a reduction in income due to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and are at risk of eviction or foreclosure. Funded by the Federal CARES Act, the program is administered on Kaua‘i by Catholic Charities Hawai‘i.

Applications for rental assistance will be accepted for housing payments due between August 1, 2020 and December 15, 2020. Kaua‘i residents may be eligible for mortgage assistance for amounts owed since April of 2020.

Affected Kaua‘i residents seeking assistance can contact Catholic Charities Hawai‘i’s Lihu‘e office at (808) 241-4673 to see if they qualify. CCH staff will provide those inquiring with information on the application process and required documentation. You may also apply for assistance online.

For more information or to apply on line please visit: https://www.catholiccharitieshawaii.org/housinghelp/

If you believe you have received a notice of eviction or foreclosure in violation of the moratoriums described above, the Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i may be able to provide you with further guidance and assistance. The Legal Aid Society’s Neighbor Island phone number is 1- 800-499-4302.

Housing Agency announces update on foreclosure and eviction protections under COVID-19 federal and state emergency proclamations

Effective Monday, July 27, 2020, the Kaua‘i County Housing Agency’s Rental Assistance Division will resume providing public window service from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. A mask is required to enter the building, and to receive service.

Window service includes picking up and returning applications for rental assistance, dropping off documents, and preliminary inquiries.

For more in-depth assistance from the Rental Assistance Division in completing applications an appointment is required. For an appointment, existing clients should call their assigned caseworker directly. New clients who have not yet been assigned to a caseworker may call 241-4440.

For assistance from the Development Division, an advance appointment is required. To make an appointment with the staff of the Development Division, please call 241-4444.

For delivery of mortgage and lease payments at any time, or for delivery of Rental Assistance paperwork outside of regular window hours, the Housing Agency now has a secure mailbox located at the Rice Street Entrance to the Pi`ikoi Building. Any documents placed in the secure drop box after 4 p.m. will be marked as received the following business day.

Changes to Housing Agency Standard Operating Procedures Under Covid-19 Emergency July 21, 2020

LĪHU‘E – The Kaua‘i County Housing Agency and the Office of the Mayor are implementing a new program that offers emergency rental, mortgage, and utility assistance.

“This program can provide payments of up to $1,500 per month for a maximum of three months to cover rent, mortgage, and utility payments for low- to moderate-income Kaua‘i residents who have suffered a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami.

The County of Kaua‘i is partnering with Family Life Center and Mālama Pono Health Services to implement this program.

For more information and to apply for assistance, please contact these non-profit organizations directly. Family Life Center can be reached at 212-0850; Mālama Pono Health Services can be reached at 246-9577.

News Release : Housing Agency, Mayor Kawakami announces emergency rental, mortgage, and utility assistance program

Many in our community have faced job loss as a result of the Covid-19 Emergency. This sudden loss of income has left many deeply concerned about how they will pay for necessities and the roof over their heads. During the Covid-19 Emergency, the County Housing Agency has adopted a policy of no evictions from County owned properties, and no foreclosures of County issued mortgage loans. Additionally, the County will waive any late fees for missed or untimely payments. These forbearance policies will continue until July 23, 2020. When this emergency is behind us, we will work with our tenants and holders of County loans to work out reasonable payment plans that keep folks in their homes and rentals. In addition, all recipients of rental assistance through the County who have suffered a loss of income are encouraged to contact the Housing Agency at 241-4440 to file a change of circumstance form documenting your loss of income. In most cases this will enable the County to increase your rental assistance to help cover your lost income. Although the County Housing Agency is not open for in-person visits, we are still working by phone to serve  our clients.

Beyond these County actions, the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) contains protections for many homeowners and renters. Under the CARES Act servicers of federally backed mortgage loans (FHA, USDA, VA, HUD Section 184a, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac) are prohibited from initiating any judicial or non-judicial foreclosure actions, from moving for foreclosure judgment or order of sale, or from executing a foreclosure related eviction of foreclosure sale between March 18, 2020 and May 17, 2020. Borrowers of federally backed mortgages experiencing financial hardship due to Covid-19 may request forbearance from their loan servicer for up to 180 days. You should contact your loan servicer directly to request forbearance. With regard to renters, until July 26, 2020, property owners with federally guaranteed loans or participating in federal housing programs, are prohibited from filing for eviction or charging any additional fees for unpaid rent. Property owners with federally guaranteed loans or participating in federal housing programs may not issue a notice to vacate until July 26, 2020. Renters seeking additional information or assistance should contact the Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i or a HUD approved housing counselor. You can find the nearest HUD counselor by calling 1 (800) 569-4287. Please note that these County and federal actions provide protections from foreclosures and evictions, for County properties and loans, and with regard to properties with federally backed mortgages. These protections do not necessarily cover all mortgages and tenant situations. The County, however, encourages landlords and private mortgage companies to similarly show forbearance to tenants and borrowers who find themselves in financial hardship. It is also important to understand that while these policies are near term protections from evictions and foreclosures, tenants and homeowners will still be legally responsible for unpaid rents or loan payments that accrue during the Covid-19 emergency. But the County and federally backed loan servicers will work with you to establish reasonable repayment plans to keep our community housed.

Workforce Housing Nexus and Financial Feasibility Analysis for the County of Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Housing Agency Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program announces it will be accepting applications for its Section 8 HCV waiting list starting at 8 a.m. on  May 15, 2019, until further notice.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List