“You can’t afford the rent”

HONOLULU (KHON2) – The price of paradise is rising statewide.

Help is available in every county, but affordable options remain a problem.

“I’m noticing that real estate that’s under $2,000 is getting very, very scarce,” said Shannon Heaven, immediate past president of the Honolulu Board of Realtors. “Even if you’re looking for a two-bedroom unit, say somewhere between Kapolei and Mililani, it’s very difficult to find a two-bedroom unit under $2,000. And you know, a few years ago we were at $1,600.”

Below is a breakdown of median rents on Oahu as well as other counties.

A tenant from Kapahulu said prices have increased in recent years.

“I paid around $1,100 for a studio, they sold the property about three years ago, now I’m renting another studio for $1,400,” said Derek Tanaka.

A Studio on Viktoriastrasse is an example of what renters on Oahu can make on $950 a month. There is also a bedroom Collection of Nuuanu Avenue which is sitting at $1,400 a month and this two bedroom, two bathroom Aiea unit is listed at $2,200.

Oahu’s rental and assistance program has sent over $120 million to homes in need, and the Office of Economic Recovery said it’s far from over.

“I’m proud to say that more people have worked really hard to submit applications for over 11,000 households so quickly,” said Amy Asselbaye, executive director of the Office of Economic Revitalization. “But I’m also kind of sad to say that there are so many people still waiting in line.”

Tanaka said the price of rent hurts locals the most. Click on the links below for information on utilities Oahu, maui, hawaii island and Kauai.

“You can’t afford the rent, right? Even I struggle with it,” Tanaka said. “I’m retired, and you know, regular income, Social Security? How do you want to make a living from it?”