HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii’s statewide moratorium on home evictions is expected to be extended by another two months in a coronavirus emergency declaration the state’s governor plans to issue.
Democratic Gov. David Ige also said the federal stimulus funds will expand rental support to include utility financial aid that could help renters for up to a year, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Wednesday.
There are no plans to provide rent discounts for commercial properties, a situation Ige described as challenging. It is difficult to impose moratoria on evictions by commercial property owners “without unfairly favoring one side,” he said Tuesday.
Instead, Ige said he supports ongoing efforts to provide direct financial support to small businesses.
The State Council on Revenue is forecasting an additional $300 million in revenue growth this year and forecasting another $2 billion over the next seven years, which will have a significant impact on the state’s fiscal planning, Ige said.
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Economic recovery from the pandemic is being fueled by Hawaii‘s Safe Travels virus testing program for visitors and returning residents.
The program “helps reopen hotels and reopen restaurants and small businesses that are particularly dependent on travelers,” Ige said.
An improved economy means previously announced budget cuts will fall from 10% statewide to 2.5% for the state Department of Education, restoring $123 million to classrooms, Ige said.
But the state’s January revenue remained 9.4% lower than the same period last year, meaning cuts will continue to be part of the state’s fiscal plan, Ige said.
“We still have a significant budget deficit,” he said.
The state was projecting a $1.4 billion shortfall in each of the next four years, but Ige couldn’t immediately identify the most recent shortfall estimates. The island economy will not fully recover until at least 2024, he said.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that resolve in two to three weeks. For some – especially older adults and those with existing health conditions – it can lead to more serious illnesses, including pneumonia, and death.
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