Hawaiʻi rental property owners continue to see elevated rates of rent debt owed and vacancies over the past six months, however they are more optimistic about the future, according to new findings from a survey released by the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (
UHERO).
UHERO estimates that 20% of renter households are late on rent, which translates to roughly 30,000 households, despite the active participation of nearly 40% of landlords in various rent relief programs. Landlords and property managers self-reported a high level of willingness to help address the situation, with two-thirds saying they were open to working on a payment plan.
At least 10,000 Hawaiʻi families will experience housing cost burdens created by the COVID-19 pandemic through 2021, in addition to the normal strains of the state’s housing market, according to new findings released by the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (
UHERO).
Philip Garboden, Hawaiʻi Community Reinvestment Corporation professor in affordable housing, and assistant professor in
Isabelle Picciotto,
UHERO graduate research assistant, also said that rental assistance needs by some households will be extended and last beyond 2021.
They suggested the need for a policy intervention that moves beyond a single influx of cash assistance to one that adjusts to household needs as the economy recovers. Garboden and Picciotto said that much remains unknown regarding the state’s economy, and their findings should be interpreted as rough estimates to help guide contingency planning.
University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization data is helpful in gauging the frequency of in-person interactions and the probability of future coronavirus spread.
Aloha, Mayor Caldwell
Kirk Caldwell is the only mayor who previously held the job of City Managing Director. That experience gives him a perspective of the workings of city hall, but that hasn’t meant success in getting buy-in with the majority of the city council members on his vision for our Honolulu. His experience as a state lawmaker hasn’t always made smooth sailing at the state legislature either.
Caldwell does have three weeks to wind up his business with the city. Here’s what he had to say as he comes to grips to saying aloha to a job he has said he absolutely loves.