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Tenants say DHHL relocation plan for Courtyards at Waipoli caused confusion, missing notices and litigation
Summary
Residents of the Courtyards at Waipoli urged the Hawaiian Homes Commission to intervene after what they described as insufficient notice, missing comparable‑housing information and confusing eviction notices related to a DHHL acquisition and relocation plan; some residents have filed litigation and say they continue to lack clear relocation comparables on Kauai.
Residents of the Courtyards at Waipoli addressed the commission during public testimony, describing distress and confusion after DHHL acquired the building and circulated a relocation plan and eviction notices the tenants say were legally deficient.
Dominic, a resident, said tenants have received inconsistent communications and that the plan’s process and comparables were not provided. Another resident said she was served with a 90‑day notice for her 17‑year‑old son, then learned that the notices were rescinded only after legal action was initiated. Multiple residents said they did not receive legally required relocation information, such as notices of eligibility and clearly identified comparable housing, and said the amount budgeted for relocation would not cover realistic accommodation in Kauai’s tight rental market.
Kira Musko Unova said she and her daughter are partly Native Hawaiian and called on the commission to respect their rights and provide relocation options on Kauai rather than relocation to O‘ahu or the mainland. Tenants said they have filed suit to pause the plan and to require compliance with statutory relocation protections.
Commissioners acknowledged the distress and asked staff to follow up; one staff member noted litigation is pending and advised caution in asking questions. Tenants asked the commission to ensure DHHL requires any acquiring entity to follow relocation law, produce comparables, and provide required notices and relocation assistance before issuing new eviction notices.
Status: residents report litigation is underway; commission directed staff to follow up with affected tenants and flagged the matter for further review. No final relocation determination was made at the meeting.
