Frequently Asked Questions

This guide is designed to provide information and resources to commonly asked questions about landlord-tenant and/or homeowner issues in Hawai‘i.

Disclaimer: The information provided should not be construed as legal advice or legal assistance.

Key: Call No. references for materials of the Hawai‘i State Law Library System (HSLLS) or as noted, DCCA = Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, HUD = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, LASH = Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i.

Where can I find Maui Disaster Recovery Resources and Court Forms?

• Act 202: Eviction Moratorium for Lahaina and Kula Wildfires, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Office of Consumer Protection
• Understanding Act 202 – Tenant Rights and Responsibilities, Effective February 5, 2025, Maui Mediation Services

How can I get rent/utility bill relief and housing assistance?

• Rent & Utility Relief Program, City & County of Honolulu
• Ka Wailele Emergency Financial Assistance Program, Office of Hawaiian Affairs

What are my rights as a tenant or renter?

• Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Information Center (DCCA): Includes Code and Handbook
• Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS), Chapter 521: Residential Landlord-Tenant Code
• Hawaii District Court Landlord-Tenant Manual, 3^rd ed. Call No. DESK KFH117 H34 2007 (SCLL & Hilo)
• Landlord-Tenant Code Subject Guide (HSLLS)
• Tenant Rights, Laws, and Protections: Hawaii (HUD)
• Tenant Rights and Responsibilities (LASH)
• Chuukese (language) Tenant Rights and Responsibilities (LASH)
• Marshallese (language) Tenant Rights and Responsibilities (LASH)

What are my rights as a homeowner/landlord?

• Homeowner Rights in Foreclosure (DCCA)
• Landlord Rights and Responsibilities (LASH)
• Non-Payment of Rent Notice Requirements (LASH)

Where can I get landlord-tenant legal help or information?

• Landlord Tenant Information (DCCA)
• Hawaii Housing Authority: Subsidized Housing and Section 8 Assistance
  • Honolulu County
  • Maui County
  • Hawaii County
  • Kauai County
• Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. Financial Assistance
• STAE (Steps to Avoid Eviction)
  • Oahu Brochure
  • Maui Brochure
  • Kauai Brochure
• LawHelp.org/HI Housing
• Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i (LASH)

Where can I get homeowner legal help or information?

• Hawaii Foreclosure Information Center (DCCA)
• Foreclosure Prevention & Rental Counseling, Hawai‘i HomeOwnership Center
• Avoid Foreclosure: Hawaii (HUD)
• Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i (LASH)

My landlord shut off my utilities and / or locked me out. What can I do?

• • Illegal Lockout Court Form
    • First Circuit: Honolulu County
    • Second Circuit: Maui County
    • Third Circuit: Hawaii County
    • Fifth Circuit: Kauai County
  • Illegal Utility Shutoff Court Form and Information
    • First Circuit: Honolulu County
    • Second Circuit: Maui County
    • Third Circuit: Hawaii County
    • Fifth Circuit: Kauai County
  • Q & A: Illegal Lockout and Utility/Essential Service Shutoff (LASH)

I don’t qualify for free legal assistance. What can I do?

• The Mediation Center of the Pacific
  • Rapid Response Landlord-Tenant Information

Hawaii Island

• Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center (Hilo)
• West Hawaii Mediation Center (Waimea)

Kauai

• Kauai Economic Mediation Center

Maui

• Maui Mediation Services

Are there other Hawai‘i community services available?

• Aloha United Way, Call 2-1-1
• American Consumer Credit Counseling: Hawaii

Are there Hawai‘i specific landlord-tenant books I can use at the library?

• Evictions and Landlord-Tenant Laws in Hawaii by David W.H. Chee
  Call No. KFH117 C41 1998
• Residential and Commercial Evictions in Hawaii by Anne M. Anderson, et.al.
  Call No. KFH121 R31 1996 (SCLL & Hilo)

Last updated: February 5, 2026