The county is offering emergency financial aid to Moloka'i residents struggling to pay their water bills in the wake of rate increases.

A total of $100,000 was allocated to the short-term fund after the Public Utilities Commission approved the temporary rate increase for Molokai Properties Ltd., which threatened to shut down water services to more than 1,000 customers.

The Department of Housing and Human Concerns said the first payments from the Helping Our Neighbors In Need program were given to 15 qualified families.

Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. was contracted to administer the fund, and is accepting applications and conducting community outreach activities to solicit applications.

Families with household income that falls within 80 percent of federal guidelines may qualify for payments of $20 per household member, up to $120 maximum per billing cycle. Payments are made directly to the utility company.

Consideration also is being given to residents who fall within 81 percent to 100 percent of income guidelines, with payments of $15 per household member up to $90 maximum per billing cycle.

For more information, contact Lyn McNeff at 808-249-2990.