Hawaii’s housing landscape presents unique challenges, including high costs and limited availability. To address these issues, the state offers various housing assistance programs tailored to support residents in need. This guide provides an overview of these programs, their eligibility criteria, and local resources available to Hawaii residents.
Housing Assistance Programs in Hawaii
1. State Rent Supplement Program
Administered by the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA), the State Rent Supplement Program assists eligible families by subsidizing a portion of their monthly rent. Key features include:
- Assistance Amount: Up to $250 per month, covering rent above 30% of the tenant’s adjusted income.
- Eligibility: Households with incomes at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
- Duration: No predetermined time limit.
- Application: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
- Assistance: Up to four months of financial support for rent, mortgage, and utilities.
- Eligibility: Households with dependent children or individuals in their third trimester of pregnancy, with incomes at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- Application: Applications are currently being accepted.
- Units: 6,270 units statewide, comprising both federal and state-assisted units.
- Eligibility: Residents of Hawaii with incomes at or below 80% of the AMI.
- Application: Applications are accepted when waiting lists are open.
- Assistance: Housing Choice Vouchers for up to 18 months.
- Eligibility: Young adults aged 18-21 who were in foster care on or after their 16th birthday and currently lack adequate housing.
- Application: Interested individuals can contact Hale Kipa at (808) 589-1829 x202 or email mkinimaka@halekipa.org.
- Assistance: Financial tools such as loans, grants, credits, and down payment support.
- Eligibility: Low-income Native Hawaiian families at or below 80% of the HUD local area median income.
- Application: Interested individuals can apply through the DHHL’s NAHASDA Eligibility page.
- Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA): Provides information on various housing assistance programs.
- Catholic Charities Hawaii: Offers the Hawaii Relief Program and other support services.
- It Takes an ‘Ohana: Administers the Family Unification Program.
- Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL): Provides home loans and other assistance to Native Hawaiians.
- Haw. Code R. tit. 17, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, ch. 2033, subch. 7, exh. A: Establishes occupancy standards for public housing. (law.cornell.edu)
- Haw. Code R. tit. 17, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, ch. 2040, subch. 8, exh. C: Provides building code guidelines for determining occupancy. (law.cornell.edu)
- Housing Affordability: Only 20% of Hawaii households can afford a single-family home, a significant decline from 44% in 2021. (apnews.com)
- Regulatory Costs: Regulatory expenses account for 58% of the price of a new condominium in Hawaii, compared to the national average of 41%. (apnews.com)
- Report says home affordability in Hawaii is ‘as bad as it’s ever been’, Published on Tuesday, May 21
- Regulatory costs account for half of the price of new condos in Hawaii, university report finds, Published on Monday, March 04
- Maui wildfire survivors will get an additional year of housing help from FEMA, Published on Tuesday, October 15
For more information, visit the HPHA’s State Assistance Programs page.
2. Hawaii Relief Program
In partnership with the Department of Human Services, Catholic Charities Hawaii offers the Hawaii Relief Program to assist households facing financial hardship. Program highlights include:
Detailed information is available on Catholic Charities Hawaii’s website.
3. Public Rental Housing
The HPHA operates public rental housing to provide affordable living options for low-income families. Key details include:
For more information, refer to the HPHA’s Public Rental Housing page.
4. Family Unification Program (FUP)
Administered by It Takes an ‘Ohana, a program of Family Programs Hawaii, FUP provides housing assistance to young adults aging out of foster care. Program features include:
More details are available on It Takes an ‘Ohana’s website.
5. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) Home Loans Program
The DHHL offers home loans to Native Hawaiians to promote homeownership. Key aspects include:
Local Resources and Contacts
For personalized assistance and more information on housing programs, consider reaching out to the following local resources:
– Website: https://hpha.hawaii.gov/
– Phone: (808) 832-5960
– Website: https://www.catholiccharitieshawaii.org/
– Phone: (808) 527-4777
– Website: https://ittakesanohana.org/
– Phone: (808) 521-9531
– Website: https://dhhl.hawaii.gov/
– Phone: (808) 620-9500
Hawaii Housing Statistics and Demographics
As of July 1, 2023, Hawaii had 572,063 housing units, marking a 2.0% increase from April 2020. The City and County of Honolulu accounted for 65.8% of these units, followed by Hawaii County (16.0%), Maui County (12.9%), and Kauai County (5.4%). (files.hawaii.gov)
Hawaii’s population was estimated at 1,435,138 as of July 1, 2023, with the City and County of Honolulu comprising 68.9% of the state’s population. (files.hawaii.gov)
State Laws, Regulations, and Policies
Hawaii’s housing policies are governed by various state laws and regulations, including:
Comparisons with National Averages
Hawaii faces unique housing challenges compared to national averages:
Conclusion
Hawaii’s housing assistance programs are designed to support residents facing financial hardships. Understanding the eligibility criteria and available resources is crucial for those seeking assistance. For personalized guidance, contact the local resources listed above.