Gov. David Ige has issued a fifth emergency proclamation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, including a moratorium of all residential evictions for failing to pay rent.
The new proclamation suspends the legal framework allowing landlords to evict tenants who fail to pay rent or other fees, while also prohibiting any rent increases until the emergency period ends. That period is currently scheduled to end on April 30, although it may be extended.
Previously, eviction proceedings throughout the state were de facto suspended after the Hawaii State Judiciary, which governs those proceedings, shut down during the pandemic.
The proclamation also imposes more stringent social distancing requirements, mandating that all state beaches are closed, save for purposes of accessing the ocean, and that loitering on beaches or sand bars is strictly forbidden. Furthermore, no more than two people are allowed in any recreational boat or in a hiking group on state trails, unless all people in a group are part of a single residential or family unit that shares the same address.
Violating any of the terms of the proclamation could result in a misdemeanor charge carrying potential penalties of a fine of up to $5,000, up to one year in prison, or both.