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Hawaii Eviction Moratorium Following Standoff

By
Real Estate Agent with Foster Realty, Inc. RB-15721

The Sheriff’s Office has temporarily halted all eviction actions across the state following a recent 20-hour standoff in my hometown. This moratorium, intended to allow for a comprehensive review of eviction policies, is putting significant financial pressure on small-scale landlords.

Many homeowners are now struggling to keep up with mortgage payments while they wait out uncooperative tenants. The inability to evict tenants who are violating lease agreements, not paying rent, or engaging in illegal activities is creating a severe financial burden.

The decision to suspend evictions stems from an incident on April 18, when a standoff at the condo complex escalated dangerously. Howard Abraham, who was being evicted following a court order issued last October, resisted the eviction. During the standoff, a K-9 unit was stabbed multiple times, and Abraham allegedly fired arrows at deputies. He now faces multiple counts of attempted assault on law enforcement officers and is charged with causing injury to a service animal. The dog is expected to fully recover. Abraham’s trial is scheduled for July. The media fails to report that Mr. Abraham was the previous owner of the property and not a tenant who violated a rental agreement.

Following the standoff, the State announced a "safety standdown" to review its eviction procedures. They claim the stop is necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of their operations. “Eviction operations are dangerous and emotionally charged,” the statement read. They assured the public that eviction actions would resume within “a few weeks.”

In an interview, attorney Victor Bakke argued that the review of policies should not necessitate a complete halt in serving evictions. “That is their job,” he said. I could not agree more.

Show All Comments Sort:
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Sylvia "Elsie" Foster when a Judge says you can't evict a freeloader then the Judge ought to have to house the freeloader himself.

Jun 09, 2024 06:41 PM
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I have to agree with Bob's comment.  I hope you have a great week.

Jun 10, 2024 03:30 AM
Sylvia "Elsie" Foster

Me, too. Thanks for reading Richard!

Jun 10, 2024 10:33 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Elsie - it's a sad situation on top of other sad stories.  

Jun 10, 2024 04:33 AM
Sylvia "Elsie" Foster

Hi Michael.  Yes, I am a real ray of sunshine these days. 🌞 Have a good day!

Jun 10, 2024 10:32 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Elsie. I have heard about liberal policies in Hawaii. Sometimes I wonder if the sun has not done brain damage to your judges to the detriment of the public at large. Enjoy your day. 

Jun 10, 2024 04:44 AM
Sylvia "Elsie" Foster

Good Morning Wayne! Yes, I can't believe how bad it has become across the board. Thanks for reading!

Jun 10, 2024 10:30 AM
Bill Salvatore - East Valley
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Welcome to the Rain. Enjoyed your blog page, and I added you as a follower. I would love the follow back. Also, then we both get 50 points. Bill

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

Jun 10, 2024 05:53 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

It is a shame that common sense seems to have left the building. 

Jun 10, 2024 06:10 PM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

The hardship caused to small landlords is very unfortunate. I hope the pause in the eviction process is ended soon.

Jun 20, 2024 04:51 PM
Sylvia "Elsie" Foster
Foster Realty, Inc. - Waianae, HI
REALTOR, CRB, CRS, GRI

Hi John! It just ended. They said they had to come up with new procedures but refused to say what those procedures were. We are just grateful that they are back at work. Thanks!

Jun 20, 2024 05:09 PM