The Hawai\u02bbi Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) recognizes the various struggles survivors may encounter while rebuilding their lives, such as understanding eligibility for assistance and transitioning out of temporary accommodations. HI-EMA is committed to offering support to survivors during these challenges. We are collaborating with FEMA and the American Red Cross to provide compassionate assistance and guidance throughout your recovery journey. We are here to help you with care and understanding.<\/p>\n
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Q:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 Why can\u2019t FEMA share information about the DL property before I make my decision?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 Security and safety of current tenants (as of 2\/2, DL is now providing the street name of the unit).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 Why can\u2019t I choose my tenant?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 Fair housing laws do not allow this, in this situation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 How many times can I decline a DL offer?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 We highly suggest you do not decline a DL unit if the opportunity is available, unless you have a valid reason:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 What happens if I decline a DL offer?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 You may be removed from the DL program. This is NOT <\/em>recommended; however, you may still be eligible for FEMA financial assistance. Since there is such a limited supply of available houses on the island, we strongly recommend considering this option.<\/p>\n If you need to decline DL, you should talk with FEMA and ARC representatives to get the most available help for recovery.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 When can I decline a DL offer?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 Anytime, but this is NOT <\/em>recommended.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 Will I be removed from my hotel if I decline a DL offer?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 Potentially, but you will have a chance to appeal the decision. Depending on your situation, you may be asked to take over payment for your room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 How long does the background check take?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee a timeline for the background check. We ask for your patience and cooperation as we move through this process. One of the FEMA contractors (Lima Charlie, Aesthetic Home Investments, or Fedcology) will reach out as soon as possible to complete the background check.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 Do I have to decide between DL and Rental Assistance (RA)? Or can I do both?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 Unfortunately, you must choose either DL or Continued Temporary Housing Assistance (CTHA). You can receive initial RA and <\/em>be eligible for DL, but if you are placed in DL, you cannot receive CTHA.<\/p>\n RA does not <\/em>match you with a housing solution, but it does <\/em>provide financial assistance should you locate a long-term housing solution on your own. Once you exhaust your initial RA, you can apply for CTHA to pay for a non-FEMA housing solution.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 How do I offer my property to rent?<\/p>\n A:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em> Here are a few options:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 What do I do if I am being evicted from my current rental?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 We have heard that some tenants believe they are being evicted by their landlords in favor of FEMA\u2019s DL program. If you believe this is the case and that your landlord has violated the terms of your lease, you should reach out to the Attorney General at hawaiiag@hawaii.gov<\/a> or 808-586-1500<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 What if I have insurance settlement money?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 You will need to spend and show exhaustion (i.e., receipts) of the Additional Living Expenses (ALE) \/ Loss of Use (LOU) funds you received to apply for RA or CTHA.<\/p>\n It is also important to note that your ALE\/LOU settlement must be used to pay rent on your FEMA-sponsored DL unit. Once that runs out, FEMA will take over rent payments.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 What else can I spend my insurance settlement money on?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 Depends on your insurance policy. FEMA is concerned with your ALE\/LOU settlement. Generally, ALE\/LOU should be spent on living expenses including:<\/p>\n Be sure to save every receipt, as these should be submitted to FEMA to show that you are using your ALE\/LOU settlement properly. Unfortunately, you are not eligible to stay in the FEMA-funded NCS program if you have an ALE\/LOU settlement that has not been exhausted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 How do I apply for continued rental assistance?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 You can apply for CTHA by contacting FEMA, either in-person or via the helpline, and asking for a CTHA application. You can also download the CTHA form from your online account.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 What is needed for CTHA?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 You will need to submit proof that your initial RA was spent on rent, and that you now can no longer afford to continue paying rent.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 Can I stay in NCS if I have received RA\/CTHA?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 No. You don\u2019t have to leave your hotel room, but you should be paying for your stay.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 What are the next steps for housing recovery?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 There are multiple options available for recovery. If you are eligible for FEMA DL, we recommend fully pursuing that option; this is the best option for securing housing in West Maui. If you are eligible for FEMA RA\/CTHA, we recommend fully pursuing that option; this will help pay for any rental that you find. If you are not eligible for either, we recommend reaching out to one of the other housing options available for further assistance, if desired. The other housing options include GEM and RAP through DHS.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 Why is FEMA directing me to leave NCS?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 The reason for your exit should be clearly explained in the notification letter. If not, please find your American Red Cross SRT specialist for further clarification. Often, we are not asking you to leave the hotel, just to pay your own way.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 Why is ARC directing me to leave NCS?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 The reason for your exit should be clearly explained in the notification letter. If not, please find your American Red Cross SRT specialist for further clarification. Often, we are not asking you to leave the hotel, just to pay your own way.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 Is it safe to return to my home?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 Go to Maps and Data (mauirecovers.org)<\/a> to check the status of your re-entry zone, water quality, and sewer functionality. HIDOH is frequently monitoring air quality, especially with debris removal underway. Air quality can be checked at Real-Time Air Quality Map | PurpleAir<\/a> or at fire.airnow.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Wildfire Resources | U.S. House of Representatives<\/a><\/p>\n Frequently Asked Questions About FEMA\u2019s Direct Lease Program | FEMA.gov<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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Insurance<\/h4>\n
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Rental Assistance (RA)\/Continued Temporary Housing Assistance (CTHA)<\/h4>\n
General Information<\/h4>\n
Additional Resources<\/h4>\n