Providing high quality conflict resolution services throughout West Hawai'i
www.facebook.com/170083656344640/posts/3527657107253928/FIRST HAWAIIAN BANK FOUNDATION recently provided $10,000 to Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center to support the free Rapid Response Landlord-Tenant Mediation Program, a joint project with West Hawai‘i Mediation Center. Although state and federal eviction moratoriums have been extended, rent still accrues and is due unless there is a plan in place to work things out. To assist with difficult conversations, the island's two non-profit community mediation centers offer conflict resolution services free of charge to residential and commercial tenants and landlords in Hawaiʻi County impacted by COVID-19.ʻūā
Ku‘ikahi Executive Director Julie Mitchell said, "Encouraging frank and productive communication is critical now more than ever. Landlords cannot afford to lose good tenants, especially given that vacancies may be difficult to fill with so many local businesses and residents in dire financial circumstances. Tenants cannot afford to owe thousands of dollars in back rent, only to be faced 3, 6, or 9 months later with eviction proceedings, business closures, awards for damages and garnishment, ruined credit ratings, bankruptcy, and/or nowhere to live or work."
Mediation looks for mutually satisfying solutions for both landlords and tenants, with the help of neutral third parties -- the mediators. To promote social distancing, mediation is available remotely via phone or video, as well as in-person in certain cases, with safety precautions.
Mitchell said, "Mahalo to Chuck Erskine and the First Hawaiian Bank Foundation for supporting this coronavirus recovery program. In addition, we appreciate all of our public, private, and non-profit sector donors."
Donors include the County of Hawai‘i, County of Hawai‘i Department of Research and Development, Hawai‘i Island REALTORS®, Hawai‘i Island Strong Fund of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, Hawai‘i Island United Way, Hawai‘i Island United Way, Richard Smart Fund of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, Rotary Club of Hilo Bay, Rotary Club of South Hilo Foundation, and West Hawai‘i Association of REALTORS®.
In East Hawai‘i, call Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center at (808) 935-7844 or visit hawaiimediation.org. In West Hawai‘i, call West Hawai‘i Mediation Center at (808) 885-5525 or visit whmediation.org.
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Julie Mitchell, of Kuʻikahi Mediation Center, receives a $10,000 check from First Hawaiian Bank Foundation. Photo from Kuʻikahi Mediation Center
Peacebuilding in the Community Webinar with Executive Director, Eric Paul
Tomorrow, 6/25 at 12:30pm Hawaii
Join us on Zoom from wherever you are!
RSVP to epaul@whmediation.org
#zoom #webinar #free #mediation #community #peacebuilding #bigisland #hawaii
Curious how we're using Zoom to conduct mediations? Here's a short video that can help understand the process.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g6Fsd9kx2k&feature=youtu.be
