Application Instructions for Hawaii Section 8
Step 1
The Hawaii Section 8 Program is overseen by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). On a local level the Section 8 Program is administered by the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (PHA). In this state residents can apply for:
- Project-based housing
- Rental assistance through the Housing Voucher Choice Program
Hawaii also has a state-managed Section 8 Program called the Rent Supplement Program, which is applicable for households qualifying for federal Section 8 services.
One key factor in applying for Hawaii Section 8 is the use of waiting lists. Due to the huge demand for public housing assistance in this state, the public housing waiting list in Oahu has been closed since August 2016. This applies to project-based housing and the Housing Choice Voucher Program, as well as the Rent Supplement Program.
You can apply for Section 8 on other islands, but the waiting list wait time is currently up to 7 years. Also, if you are accepted into the Section 8 Program on any Hawaiian island, you are permitted to move to another island, such as Oahu, while still using your benefits. You will need to verify that the city you are moving to has a local Hawaii Section 8 PHA.
The state is proposing a new program via Section 8, which is set to go into effect on May 1, 2017. This program applies to current Housing Choice Voucher holders. The HCV households that elect to pay for their utilities, i.e. heating, water, sewage, etc., will receive a monthly allowance or subsidy to help pay for these services. The goal is to decrease the funding provided per household so that more families in need can receive Hawaii Section 8 assistance.
The Hawaii Public Housing Authority has also released a five-year plan that will increase the amount of project-based housing and Housing Choice Vouchers for needy residents by 2022. The plan calls for improving the quality of Section 8 housing and access to the program by constructing new project-based housing developments.
Who can Qualify for Section 8?
Given the huge demand for Hawaii Section 8 assistance, the state is currently accepting individuals who are:
- Homeless
- Domestic violence victims
- Involuntarily displaced
Each of these groups are prioritized equally, so if you qualify for more than one condition it will not increase your chances for approval.
Your household income must also meet federal low-income guidelines so to qualify you for Hawaii Section 8. Incomes are categorized according to islands. Choose the island where you will be applying for public housing assistance to check your income eligibility. The income limits of your household will include the income of anyone over 18.
Additional requirements include:
- You must be at least 18 to apply for you and/or your household.
- You can be single, living with your family, or in a household of two or more individuals living together.
- You cannot owe the HPHA for back-rent.
- Your personal conduct must be in good standing to be able to live in public housing projects.
- If you were evicted from HPHA housing at any time since 1985, you are not eligible.
How to Apply
At the current time, and indefinitely, Hawaii PHA is not accepting applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program of Section 8. This also means that you are not able to place your name on the waiting list. As for a listing of the homes available with HPHA assistance, in Hawaii only those households approved for Section 8 have access to these listings.
If you are interested in project-based public housing in Hawaii through Section 8 assistance, the islands except for Oahu are currently taking applications. To receive an application:
- Call 808-832-5960
- Email hpha@hawaii.gov
Contact a PHA agent in Hawaii for Section 8 assistance to find out more about the pending Housing Choice Voucher Program that will allow moderate- to low-income families to receive allowances for utilities. You can also contact the Honolulu Field Office to speak with a HUD regional administrator or field office director.