COVID-19 RESOURCES (click here for pdf version)
As of 4/20/20. All dates listed are for 2020, unless otherwise noted.
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Have you experienced a job loss or reduced hours? File for an unemployment claim online at huiclaims.hawaii.gov
Maui Claims and Benefits Office
Tel: (808) 984-8400
Fax: (808) 984-8444
Email: dlir.ui.maui@hawaii.gov
Web: labor.hawaii.gov/ui
- No 7-day waiting period.
- Weekly benefit amounts are increased by $600.
- Length of benefits are increased from 26 to 39 weeks.
- Eligibility expanded to self-employed and part-time workers, workers with reduced hours, and those with limited work history.
For more info on COVID-19 related labor benefits, including Temporary Disability, Workers’ Compensation, and Family Leave:
https://labor.hawaii.gov/ui/files/2020/03/COVID-19-Labor-Benefits-Fact-Sheet_20200319.pdf
STIMULUS PAYMENTS
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides a one-time payment by direct deposit, if you filed e-taxes in 2019 or 2018, or mailed to your address. No application is necessary, but payments may take a month or longer.
- Maximum payment amount is $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for joint filers, plus $500 per qualifying child under the age 17.
- Benefits start to phase out for those with incomes above $75,000 (individuals), $112,500 (single parents), and $150,000 (joint filers).
Non-filing taxpayers can register for their stimulus check online:
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here
To check when you will receive your stimulus payment:
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
For more info on COVID-19 related tax relief and benefits:
irs.gov/coronavirus
SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT
Micro Business Loan Program
The Micro Business Loan Program provides 5-year loans of $7,500 to $15,000 and 7-year loans of $15,001 to $25,000 to help businesses with no more than 10 employees, including owners and full- and part-time workers. For eligibility requirements, loan criteria, and application form: http://www.mauichamber.com/microbusinessloan.html
Maui Chamber of Commerce
Tel: (808) 244-0081.
Email: info@mauichamber.com
Web: mauichamber.com
Small Business Administration Programs
Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.
For more info on Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, Debt Relief, Express Bridge Loans, other Coronavirus relief options from the SBA:
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options
Small Business Development Center (Maui Office)
Tel: (808) 875-5990
Fax: (808) 875-5989
Email: info@hisbdc.org
Web: hisbdc.org or sba.gov
Farmers Emergency Relief Fund
Maui County Farm Bureau (MCFB) will award ten $2000 grants to individual farm MCFB members. The program is for commercial producers only in livestock, produce, flowers, and nursery products. Funds may be used to pay for any direct cost related to ag operations, except for payroll expenses. The deadline to apply is April 26. The grants will be awarded on May 1.
Application Form:
http://www.mauicountyfarmbureau.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/FEED-MAUI.pdf
Maui County Farm Bureau
Tel: (808) 281-9718
Email: mauicountyfarmbureau@gmail.com
Web: mauicountyfarmbureau.org
Help for Farmers, Agriculture Businesses, and Their Employees
The office of U.S. Senator Brian Schatz has compiled a list of resources with updated information: https://www.schatz.senate.gov/coronavirus/agriculture
FOOD RESOURCES
Maui County Keiki and Kupuna Food Access Resources
Click here for a poster listing Department of Education (DOE) grab-and-go meals for keiki and special shopping hours for kupuna.
Hawaii Children’s Action Network (CAN) COVID Resources
Visit covid19.hawaii-can.org/ and select “category” (for example, food, childcare, shelters) and “location” (Maui) for an updated list of resources.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP (formerly known as “food stamps”) provides food and nutritional support to qualifying low-income and needy households. Clients use an EBT debit card to access their cash and/or SNAP benefits at authorized food retailers. Recipients receiving cash assistance may also choose to have their benefits directly deposited into their personal bank accounts. Due to COVID-19, SNAP offices are closed to the public, but applications are now available online. Once your application is received, you will be contacted by phone. If you are applying for the first time, use the digital fillable/printable application form below or on the Department of Human Services website.
Application Form:
https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/files/2020/03/SNAP_Application_2019-form-fillable-3-23-20-final-1.pdf
Once complete, if you are able to place your signature on the page, you may scan or take a photo of the application and send it as an attachment to this email address: BESSD.StatewideBranch@dhs.hawaii.gov.
If you cannot e-sign and send as an attachment, you may print out the completed form then mail, fax, or place in the drop box at a processing center:
| Maui Public Assistance State Building in WailukuMailing Address: 54 High Street #125 Wailuku, HI 96793 Phone: 808-984-8300 Fax: 808-984-8333 |
Molokai Unit 55 Makaena Place, Room 1Mailing Address: P.O. Box 70 Kaunakakai, HI 96748 Phone: 808-553-1715 Fax: 808-553-1720 |
Lanai Unit located at 730 Lanai AvenueMailing Address: P.O. Box 631374 Lanai City, HI 96763 Phone: 808-565-7102 Fax: 808-565-6460 |
Current SNAP Recipients (COVID-19 Adjustments):
- SNAP certification periods for recipients requiring 6-month review or eligibility reviews during March, April, and May will be extended an additional 6 months to ensure no lapse in benefits due to COVID-19. A notice with more details will be sent to your last known address on file.
- The work or education/training requirement has also been waived until further notice.
- Please check this website for more info and updates: https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/snap/
HOUSING SUPPORT
Assistance for Renters and Homeowners
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides as follows:
- For renters in properties with federally guaranteed loans or participating in federal housing programs (for example, HUD/Section 8), property owners are prohibited from filing for eviction or charging any fees for unpaid rent until July 26.
- Renters seeking information on whether they are covered by the moratorium should contact Legal Aid Society of Hawaii at 1-800-499-4302, or find their nearest housing counselor by calling (800) 569-4287.
- For homeowners with federally guaranteed mortgages, the CARES Act allows for mortgage forbearance (temporary postponement of payments) for up to 1 year and foreclosure relief until May 17.
Mortgage Assistance
Many of Hawaii’s banks are offering forbearance programs, extensions, and other mortgage assistance due to COVID-19. You should contact your bank or lender for more information.
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL)
DHHL loans are currently being deferred for 6 months. No application is necessary. All qualified loans will automatically be deferred, beginning with the April 2020 payment. For more info, visit dhhl.hawaii.gov/covid-19 or call (808) 620-9500.
Hawaii Emergency Laulima Program (HELP)
HELP provides assistance with rent, mortgage, and utility payments, phone or internet service, car payments or insurance, medicine, and food for residents with job loss due to COVID-19. For more info, or to have an application mailed to you, call Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) at (808) 249-2970.
Application Form:
Online http://www.meoinc.org/content/5e838f769db66/H.E.L.P.html
PDF http://www.meoinc.org/UserFiles/File/HELP%202020%20Application%204.pdf
Liliʻuokalani Trust (LT)
LT is providing kōkua through one-time emergency stabilization financial assistance for eligible families with a Hawaiian kamaliʻi (child ages birth to 17 years old) residing in the household. There must be a direct financial impact resulting from COVID-19. For more info, send an email including your name and phone number to covidhelp@onipaa.org, or call (808) 466-8102.
TAX FILING DEADLINES EXTENDED
Federal income tax filing deadline has been automatically extended to July 15.
For more info on federal tax relief options: irs.gov/coronavirus
State income tax filing deadline has been automatically extended to July 20.
For more info: tax.hawaii.gov/covid-19/
UTILITY SERVICES AND FEE WAIVERS
Water and sewer bill late fees are waived until at least April 30.
The Board of Water Supply (BWS) will not be shutting off service due to non-payment. If you have an outstanding account with BWS, please contact their customer service team at (808) 748-50 to set up a payment plan.
Credit card and e-check fees are waived for online payments related to solid waste, water, and real property tax bills until June 30.
Hawaiian Electric (HECO) has suspended disconnections until at least April 17, and may extend that period depending on the situation at the time. If you are having trouble paying your electric bill because of COVID-19, you are encouraged to contact HECO. For more info: hawaiianelectric.com/customer-service-options
DRIVER’S LICENSE, STATE ID, AND VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Maui County DMV
Tel: (808) 270-7363
Email: maui.dmv@mauicounty.gov
Web: mauicounty.gov/1328/Motor-Vehicle-Licensing
- Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing (DMV) is closed to the public until further notice.
- 90-day waiver on expired driver’s licenses (including Commercial Driver’s Licenses) and state ID cards if expiring between March 23 and May 15.
- Extension of Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) and hazardous materials endorsement to May 15.
- All safety inspection stations closed and the annual safety check requirement suspended until further notice. Expired safety checks remain valid through May 31.
- Vehicle registrations may still be done online or by mail, even with expired safety check.
- Credit card convenience fees for registration renewals at self-service kiosks (in the Kalana o Maui building and Safeway stores) are waived until June 30.
- TSA is accepting licenses and IDs that expired on or after March 1, 2020.
- REAL ID deadline is extended to October 1, 2021. For more info: gov/real-id
STUDENT LOANS
If you have a federal student loan (such as a Direct or FFEL loan, which are held by the U.S. Department of Education), and are in active repayment, all of your payments are automatically on hold through September 30 and you will not accumulate interest during that time. To find out if your loan is eligible, contact your loan servicer (the entity you make monthly payments to), or call 1-800-433-3243 for assistance.
For more info on student loans: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus
MORE INFO ON COVID-19
Maui County Office of the Mayor
Tel: (808) 270-7855
Email: Mayors.Office@co.maui.hi.us
Web: mauicounty.gov
- Maui County Administration’s COVID-19 webpage
https://www.mauicounty.gov/2370/COVID-19-Coronavirus-Information
- Maui County Office of Economic Development website with COVID-19 info for residents and businesses
https://www.covid19mauinui.com/
- Office of U.S. Senator Brian Schatz website with a compilation of resources related to COVID-19
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/coronavirus
- Office of Hawaiian Affairs COVID-19 resources
- Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH)
- Sign up for email updates from DOH
https://health.hawaii.gov/news/covid-19-updates/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
(not COVID-19 specific)
FOOD ASSISTANCE
Maui Food Bank
Visit mauifoodbank.org or call (808) 243-9500 for a current list of food distribution locations.
Feed My Sheep
Operates a mobile food distribution program at locations listed below. Until further notice, new registrations will require proof of income by bank statements or tax records, unless this is not feasible. For more info, visit feedmysheepmaui.com or call (808) 870-9421 or 872-9100.
| Lahaina | Thursdays, 10:30am – 11:45am | Corner of Dickenson Street & Wainee Street |
| Wailuku | Fridays, 10:30am – 11:30am | Living Way Church parking lot399 N. Market Street |
| Kahului | Saturdays, 9:30am – 12:00pm | 150 S. Puunene Avenue, next to Kahului Post Office |
| Kihei | Saturdays, 10:30am – 12:00pm | Hope Chapel parking lot, 300 E. Welakahao Road |
| Hana | Last Wednesday of Each Month, 4:30pm – 5:30pm | Wananalua Congregational Church, Hana Highway |
WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)
WIC benefits are available for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk. For more info, call your nearest WIC clinic: https://health.hawaii.gov/wic/clinic-locations/
HOUSING ASSISTANCE
Women Helping Women
If you or someone you know needs shelter, rental assistance, or other help due to domestic violence, call the 24-Hour Hotline at (808) 579-9581 – or in an emergency call 911.
KHAKO Rental Assistance Program
KHAKO provides direct rental assistance payments and other services to residents at risk of becoming homeless due to a temporary lack of financial resources. For more info, call Ka Hale A Ke Ola at (808) 446‑8129.
Kahiau Community Assistance Program (KCAP)
KCAP provides one-time emergency financial assistance (up to $1500) to Native Hawaiian beneficiaries facing hardship due to an unexpected crisis. KCAP funds may be used for mortgage and rent payments, rent deposits, and utility services. For more info, call the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement at (808) 784-4464.
Catholic Charities Maui
Catholic Charities Maui provides housing assistance and emergency financial assistance for families facing financial hardship, along with other services. For more info, call (808) 873-4673.
Family Life Center Maui
Family Life Center Maui provides rental assistance to residents and support services for Maui’s homeless. For more info, call (808) 877-0880.
OTHER ASSISTANCE
Maui Rescue Mission
Maui Rescue Mission provides support and weekly outreach to the homeless, including a mobile hygiene unit (equipped with showers) at locations listed below. For more info, call (808) 727-9008.
| Lahaina | Wednesdays, 10am – 12pm | Lahaina Baptist Church |
| Kahului | Thursdays, 10am – 12pm | Kanaha Beach Park |
| Wailuku | Fridays, 10am – 12pm | Living Way Church |
| Kihei | Saturdays, 10am – 12pm | Hope Chapel |
Aloha United Way – Call 211
Aloha United Way 211 is a comprehensive, statewide community information and referral service. Call 211 for specialists to help you find food, shelter, financial assistance, childcare, and more.
Public Assistance Information Line – Call 1-855-643-1643
Hawaii Department of Human Services operates a nationwide toll-free number for those seeking public assistance, including SNAP, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), and General Assistance.
