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Maui’s eviction moratorium will end Feb. 4, and Gov. Josh Green is trying to call attention to a new law that establishes a mediation-based process for resolving rent disputes between landlords and tenants.

The law was signed in July. According to a news release issued by the governor’s office, it ensures that landlords and tenants have access to resources to address overdue rent without immediately resorting to court action.

“The end of the eviction moratorium marks a significant milestone in Maui’s recovery, but it’s essential that we provide a compassionate and structured way forward,” Green said in the release. “Act 202 offers a way forward, prioritizing fairness and understanding for both landlords and tenants.”

Starting Feb. 5, landlords and tenants will have the opportunity to engage in free, state-funded mediation facilitated by Maui Mediation Services before filing for eviction in court. The mediation services are designed to prevent sudden evictions.

To participate, landlords must provide tenants with a written notice of overdue rent and notify Maui Mediation Services. Tenants have 15 days to respond and schedule a mediation session. If tenants choose not to schedule or participate in the mediation process after receiving a notice from their landlord, the landlord can then file an eviction case in court 30 days after the date of the notice.

The governor’s office says the mediation periods are based on the total amount of overdue rent. Tenants with the most overdue rent are prioritized to resolve their cases sooner, but they are not restricted to just one period.

Tenants owing a total of four months of rent or more may request mediation Feb. 5-March 6.

Tenants owing three months of rent or more may request mediation March 7-May 6. Tenants owing two months of rent or more may request mediation May 7-July 6, and tenants owing one month’s rent or more may request mediation July 7-Feb. 4, 2026.

Mediation sessions will bring landlords and tenants together, either in person or via Zoom. Mediators, acting as neutral facilitators, will document any agreements reached.

Mediation is available through Maui Mediation Services available over the phone at 808-344-4255 or 808-446-0511 or email at landlordtenanthelp@mauimediation.org. For more, go to mauimediation.org or stop by in person at 95 Mahalani St. in Wailuku during regular business hours.