Legal and tenant help in Hawaii
The short answer
Behind on rent in Hawaii? From February 5, 2026 to February 4, 2028, a landlord must give 10 days' written notice before suing for unpaid rent, and you can ask for mediation at no cost. Call the mediation center on your notice within 10 days.
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Notice and mediation (Act 278)
The Hawaii State Judiciary explains:
- A landlord generally can't sue to evict for unpaid rent alone without first giving 10 days' written notice that says you can join mediation.
- To use mediation, contact the provider listed on the notice within 10 days of getting it. Mediation is voluntary for tenants, and if you schedule it, the landlord must take part. It happens within 30 days and is state funded at no cost to you.
- You don't have to move out by the date on the notice. Only a judge's order lets a landlord evict.
- Mediation by island: Oahu 808 521 6767; Maui, Molokai and Lanai 808 344 4255; Kona 808 885 5525; Hilo 808 885 5525 ext. 2; Kauai 808 245 4077 ext. 237.
Official page: courts.state.hi.us/landlord-tenant-claims-prefiling-eviction-mediation
Legal Aid Society of Hawaii
Legal Aid Society of Hawaii: 808 536 4302 on Oahu, or 1 800 499 4302 from other islands. Hawaii State Bar Association Lawyer Referral: 808 537 9140.
Official page: courts.state.hi.us/landlord-tenant-claims-prefiling-eviction-mediation
Know your rights
The Office of Consumer Protection answers common landlord tenant questions.
Official page: cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/landlord-tenant/faqs
Fair housing
The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission takes housing discrimination complaints. You can also file with HUD.
Official pages: labor.hawaii.gov/hcrc, hud.gov/fairhousing
More help in Hawaii
Sources last checked October 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or a spot in any program. Each place decides who it can serve. You choose what feels right for you.