The concerns raised by the stairway and lanai collapse at a Kalihi walk-up strongly suggest that the health and safety conditions of the state's low-income rental market is a problem that is inadequately understood and that certainly deserves attention now.

The primary focus of the affordable housing campaign in recent years has been to increase the number of units available for rent to relieve the shortage.

Statistics bear out this approach. According to a profile of urban Honolulu housing done in January by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, there are only enough affordable-rental units available to meet the needs of half the households that are looking for them.

Meanwhile, the shortage also has compounded health and safety issues: Renters in unsafe homes often fail to file a complaint, fearing they will be evicted in a tight market.

But others might take action if they knew of the governmental protections in place. The Landlord-Tenant Code does lay out a renter's rights to safe housing, as well as procedures for prodding a landlord into action, or making the repairs themselves and getting reimbursed.

Many renters are unclear about these provisions. There's a hot line — 586-2634 — but county authorities, perhaps with funding help from private sponsorships, also should launch a public information campaign for better outreach to renters.

Lawmakers might also review the code for updating. A case in point: The cap on reimbursements to renters who make their own repairs was set in 1995 at $500. Surely, that should be raised now.

On O'ahu, the Community Services Department should alert more low-income homeowners and landlords to the low- and no-interest loan programs available to help make repairs. Many elderly residents on fixed incomes could use the help, too.

Finally, housing advocates are right that authorities can't rely on complaints to document safety hazards. Research to help define the extent of the problems in public and private housing could guide the search for solutions and would be a wise investment of public money.