MLPC In the Media
Welcome to the Medical-Legal Partnership for Children In Hawaii (MLPC) media room, a place to showcase all media coverage, advocacy letters, and other happenings. In addition to being practicing Attorneys, we also provide legal commentary, speak at public engagements and events, and contribute advice to critical judicial issues, some of which is accessible in the articles, letters, and features below.
What Happens When Private Equity Is Your Landlord in Hawai‘i
MLPC Staff Attorney Deja Ostrowski speaks to HBM about the implications of having a corporate landlord when renting a unit here in Honolulu or the neighbor islands.
HBM Description: The Blackstone Group and other firms have been buying rental properties in West O‘ahu. Tenants say the result can be escalating rents and unexpected fees.
“Home for Sale” Sometimes Means Renters are Displaced
MLPCH Staff Attorneys Deja Ostrowski and Fernando P. Cosio speak with Hawaii Business Magazine about the legal issues surrounding tenants who face eviction or have their leases terminated when landlords decide to sell or renovate their property.
HBM Description: About 40% of Hawai‘i households are renters. Their relationships with their landlords can be friendly and supportive. But this two-part report examines when the wants and needs of tenants and landlords conflict, with perspectives from both sides.
Hundreds on Oahu Exhaust Rent Relief Programs
MLPCH Staff Attorney Fernando P. Cosio speaks with KITV 4 news about tenants who have reached the maximum threshold for rental assistance and the upcoming ending of the program. He also speaks on other tools and mechanisms that can be incorporated to assist both landlords and tenants moving forward.
Living On A Boat Is Hard In Hawaii. Finding Rental Relief Is Impossible
The effects of fee hikes at harbors and the Covid-19 pandemic are prompting some to give up their boats and leave. MLP Attorney Fernando P. Cosio discusses the difficulties and challenges local renters have faced during the pandemic when attempting to apply for rental assistance.
Immigration Advocates, Including MLP Staff Attorney, Meet with Congressional Delegation
On September 23, MLP staff attorney Catherine Chen met with Senators Hirono and Schatz and Representatives Case and Kahele to push for immigrant inclusion in budget reconciliation for Hawai'i Coalition for Immigrant Rights. KITV talked to her about the advocacy.
Hawaii Lawmakers Mull Mediation To Prevent Mass Evictions After Moratorium Lifted
A bill would require landlords to enter mediation upon a tenant’s request, but some advocates say the measure doesn’t do enough to protect renters at risk of eviction. MLPC attorneys provide their insight and feedback on this matter and other related issues.
Hawai'i Public Radio Interview on Immigrant Rights in Hawai'i
Hawai'i Public Radio interviewed our immigration attorney Catherine Chen about immigrant rights in Hawai'i in response to a new report by New American Economy that found that immigrants contributed more than $17 billion to Hawai'i's economy.
Agency Says Women Harassed, Threatened With Eviction
The Hawai‘i State Department of Human Services Commission on the Status of Women and MLP Attorney Deja Ostrowski provide commentary on the current eviction landscape and give proactive recommendations to law enforcement and government officials on how to best curtail these illegal practices.