Police encourage public to take survey
Hawaii Police Department Chief Paul K. Ferreira invites members of the public to take the department’s Community Satisfaction Survey, which runs through 4 p.m. April 30.
“In keeping with our department’s Vision Statement that the Hawaii Police Department is committed to providing the highest quality of police service and forming partnerships with the community to achieve public satisfaction making the Big Island a safe place to live, visit, and conduct business, we are again asking members of the public to participate in an anonymous Community Satisfaction Survey,” said Ferreira.
The anonymous survey is available on the department’s website www.hawaiipolice.com and can be accessed directly at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HPD2021.
The survey includes both multiple-choice questions and an opportunity to make individual comments that will aid the department’s in determining its strengths and weaknesses. By comparing the results of this year’s survey with the results of past surveys, the department can gauge where it has improved and where it needs further improvement.
Rental, utility assistance program launches April 12
Seven nonprofit organizations will launch the Hawaii County Emergency Rental Assistance Program with applications being accepted starting at 8 a.m. April 12.
The program (ERAP) is funded by the County of Hawaii through federal funding and will provide rent and utility grants to an estimated 3,400 households that income qualify and can prove hardship due to COVID-19 for each month they receive assistance from March 2020 to December 2021. Funding will be limited to households’ primary residence on Hawaii Island. Households will be limited to 12 months of total grant assistance.
The ERAP will be led by nonprofit community development financial institution, Hawaii Community Lending. Six Hawaii Island-based nonprofit partners (HOPE Services Hawaii, Hawaii First Federal Credit Union, Neighborhood Place of Puna, Habitat for Humanity Hawaii Island, The Salvation Army, and Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council. The partners will process applications and payments will be made directly to landlords, property managers, or utility providers. Approved applicants will also have access to financial counseling and other housing stability services.
Households who have been impacted, directly or indirectly, by COVID-19 and are past due on their rent and/or utilities should apply through one of the nonprofit partners. Persons without internet access or a computer are encouraged to call one of the ERAP nonprofit partners to request a paper application or complete an application over the phone.
To qualify for rent or utility assistance grants, applicants must meet the following qualifications be at least 18 years of age and a resident of Hawaii Island who lost income due to COVID-19 and has a 2020 or current annual gross household income at or below 80% of area median income for the number of members in their household.
For more information or to apply, contact one of the ERAP nonprofit partners.