Updated: February 11, 2021
After just two days, Hawaii Electric Company (HECO) and Aloha United Way (AUW) announced they closed the Hawaii Utility Bill Assistance Program — which gave pandemic victims aid to help pay overdue utility bills — to new applicants due to high demand.
In a news release published Wednesday, the organizations said that an influx of applications led to nearly $2 million being committed to 2,700 households in just two days.
The assistance program was established and opened Monday to help households financially affected by the pandemic and those who fell behind on their electric, water, sewer, and gas bills.
Applicants received a maximum of $750 and were qualified through a process administered by Aloha United Way and local United Way agencies on a first-come, first-served basis, the organizations said.
“We extend our thanks to Hawaiian Electric, many community donors, and the United Way chapters on Kauai, Maui and Hawaii Island who made this program possible. Together we have helped to lessen the financial strain for almost 2,700 households that have been impacted by the pandemic,” said John Fink, president and CEO of Aloha United Way. “The need is still significant, which was so clearly demonstrated as the funds were used up in just 31 hours. We hope those who can afford to will support this or other worthy community assistance efforts.”
The statewide fund is still accepting contributions from companies, organizations, and individuals and may be applied to a limited number of applicants who were placed on a waiting list.
To contribute, click here or contact Emmaly Calibraro, vice president of fundraising and major gifts at Aloha United Way at ecalibraro@auw.org.