HI SR157

Nearly 3,000 households were displaced by the August 2023 Maui wildfires, creating a housing crisis on Maui.

FEMA's Direct Lease Program pays 366 percent above-market rates to landlords who house FEMA-eligible households, while the Department of Human Services Rental Assistance Program pays above-market rates for ineligible households.

Incidents have been reported where landlords are ending lease agreements with existing tenants to make room for FEMA-eligible and ineligible households in these programs, displacing current renters.

The Governor's emergency proclamation established an eviction moratorium in Lahaina that may be violated by these non-renewal practices.

Urges the Department of the Attorney General to investigate and enforce applicable laws against landlords terminating rental agreements to participate in these housing assistance programs.