NEW: Free mediation for evictions. Strict deadlines apply. More information here.

Mediation


WHAT IS MEDIATION

Mediation is a voluntary confidential process in which trained neutral mediators help parties discuss, define, and resolve their disputes. In mediation, mediators do not make the decisions for the parties. Instead, they guide the process so parties can reach their own solutions. Mediation can save significant time and money versus going through the court system, and relationships can improve.

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WHAT TO EXPECT IN MEDIATION

Sessions can last up to three hours and are usually held at KEO: 2804 Wehe Rd., Lihue, 96766, or a neutral setting. During the session:

  • Mediators talk with the parties together and/or separately to better understand their viewpoints and goals.
  • Parties are assisted in identifying the issues and exploring options that meet the needs of both sides as much as possible.
  • Parties agree to speak respectfully, honestly, to try to see the other side’s perspective, and create a mutually acceptable solution.
  • If a solution is reached, an agreement is then put in writing and signed by the parties.

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WHAT TYPES OF CONFLICTS CAN BE MEDIATED?

Family – divorce, custody, parenting plan, elder care, etc.
Landlord / Tenant – eviction, security deposits, repairs, damages
Temporary Restraining Orders
Consumer-Merchant – debt collection, faulty merchandise, refunds, exchange
Monetary and Financial Claims
Neighbors – noise, pets, cross-property disputes (trees, roots, etc)
Civil Rights Complaints – racial, gender or disability discrimination at work and/or in housing situations
Real Estate / Condominium – real estate transactions or home owners association disputes
Restorative Justice – helps victims and offenders repair the harm caused by an offense
Schools/Juvenile – peer or staff disputes, fights, vandalism, Special Education, bullying

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HOW TO SET UP MEDIATION

Contact the KEO Mediation Program at (808) 245-4077, ext 234 or mediation@keoinc.org
When a mediation request is received, we will contact the other party and schedule an agreed upon time to meet.

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WHO ARE THE MEDIATORS?

KEO Mediators are trained professionally, with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. Mediators do not judge, counsel or give legal advice. They guide the parties through the well-designed and proven mediation process to craft their own solutions.

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HOW TO PREPARE FOR MEDIATION

  • Write an outline of issues you would like to discuss and resolve during the session.
  • If relevant, bring necessary documents or information to the mediation.
  • Plan to listen carefully to others to understand their issues and needs.
  • Agree to attack each problem, not each other!
  • Be respectful, cooperative, and open-minded.

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WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT MEDIATION

“I felt very respected and my concerns were heard.”
“We have been going back and forth between our lawyers for months. You finished it in one session!”
“I arrived in tears sure that my kids and I were going to be evicted. The mediator helped us work out an acceptable plan with the landlord so that we could stay in our home.”

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HOW MUCH DOES MEDIATION COST?


NEW: Free mediation for evictions. Strict deadlines apply. More information here.

The KEO Mediation Fee is for one session up to 3 hours to be paid by each party and based on the Hawaii State Judiciary Guidelines. A mediation fee may be waived upon approval.

Annual Income Cost Per Session
$0 – $10,000 $0
$10,001 – $20,000 $70
$20,001 – $42,000 $95
$42,001 – $62,000 $115
$62,001 – $82,000 $135
$82,001 – $100,000 $185
$100,001 – $150,000 $285
$150,001 – $250,000 $385
$250,001 – $350,000 $485
Over $350,000 $585

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