HCEOC announces new Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council will be taking applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) from Monday through June 30. Eligible low-income residents can apply for assistance with their HELCO or gas bill; or apply for assistance to stop termination of electricity service.

Applications will be taken at the following sites between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.:

Hilo — HCEOC at 47 Rainbow Drive, across from Rainbow Falls;

Pahoa — Pahoa Feed and Fertilizer, 15-2754 Pahoa Road;

Keaau — Girl Scouts, 16-105 Opukahaia St., across from the Humane Society;

Ka‘u — HCEOC Naalehu (Behind Naalehu Community/Sr. Nutrition Center;

Hawaiian Ocean View (Thursdays only) Ocean View Community Center, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates;

Pahala (Fridays only) Old Pahala Club House, 96-3528 Maile St.;

Kona — HCEOC Kona, 76-6804 Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa, and

Hamakua — The Salvation Army, 45 Rickard Place, Honokaa.

Documents needed:

— Most recent HELCO electric bill or last two GasCo bills no more than 30 days old;

— Recent payroll stubs or other proof of current income such as Social Security, pension, disability, unemployment, general assistance, other payments and bank statements;

— Adults with no income must bring a notarized/sworn statement;

— Proof of physical address (rental agreement, lease or deed, property tax bill);

— Identification of all household members (adult picture id, drivers license, state id and children’s birth certificates;

— Verification of U.S. citizenship (passport, INS card 194);

— Social Security cards (verification of numbers via Social Security office) for all persons living in your household;

— Final utility termination notice (if you’ve received a shut-off notice from HELCO).

For more information, please call HCEOC at 961-2681, ext. 208.