Due to high demand, Utility Bill Assistance Program closed to new applicants after 2 days
Due to high demand, Utility Bill Assistance Program
closed to new applicants after 2 days
With nearly $2 million already committed, fund still taking contributions
HONOLULU, Feb. 10, 2021 – The Hawaiʻi Utility Bill Assistance Program established by
Hawaiian Electric and Aloha United Way is closed to new applications due to high demand that
led to nearly $2 million being committed to 2,700 households in two days.
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.
The Hawaiʻi Utility Bill Assistance Program was established by Hawaiian Electric to help
households financially affected by the pandemic and that fell behind on their electric, water,
sewer and gas bills. The fund helps to serve as a bridge until additional government assistance
becomes available.
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. Hawaiian
Electric is also offering customers options for spreading out payments on past-due bills, interestfree,
across a longer period than ever before.
“We extend our thanks to Hawaiian Electric, many community donors, and the United Way
chapters on Kauaʻi, Maui and Hawaiʻi 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 HEI Charitable Foundation is matching Hawaiian Electric employee donations of up to $250
made before March 1 to the utility bill assistance program.
To contribute, please visit AUW.org/utilityhelp or contact Emmaly Calibraro, Vice President of
Fundraising and Major Gifts at Aloha United Way at ecalibraro@auw.org.
