West Maui County Councilwoman Tamara Paltin last week Friday was expected to introduce a resolution to urge the new county administration to capitalize on federal funds and establish a Homeowner Assistance Fund.

Adopted by the federal government under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fund is meant to provide relief for our country’s most vulnerable homeowners.

The purpose of the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) is to prevent mortgage delinquencies and defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacement of homeowners experiencing financial hardship after Jan. 21, 2020.

HAF funds may be used for assistance with mortgage payments, homeowner’s insurance, utility payments and other specified purposes.

The law prioritizes funds for homeowners who have experienced the greatest hardships, leveraging local and national income indicators to maximize the impact.

Maui County has more than $8 million to administer, and Paltin wants the administration to get moving.

Paltin’s resolution urges the administration to issue a request for proposals to administer a Homeowner Assistance Fund Program under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

Maui County’s $8,060,550 grant needs to be expended entirely by Sept. 30, 2025.

All counties in the state — except for Maui County — have issued a Homeowner Assistance Fund program. The Bissen Administration should make this program a priority and spend these funds to help county residents.