The Hawaii Guide to Section 8 Housing

While Americans in the contiguous 48 states may consider Hawaii to be the ultimate vacation destination, those who live there full-time know the cost of living is extremely high on the islands. Many Hawaiians struggle to make ends meet.

Section 8 in Hawaii, part of the Housing Choice Voucher Program, offers vital assistance to residents who struggle to afford safe and decent housing amid rising rental prices by subsidizing a portion of their monthly rent. Navigating the application process for this federal program is complicated, so this guide exists to help explain how to go about it.

 What Is Section 8 Housing in Hawaii?

Section 8 Housing, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is a federal assistance program in the United States aimed at helping low-income individuals and families afford safe and sanitary housing in the private rental market. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers this program at the federal level, but local public housing agencies (PHAs) implement it in Hawaii.

Hawaii’s Section 8 Housing participants receive vouchers that cover a portion of their rent, enabling them to choose housing that meets HUD’s safety and quality standards. This flexibility allows families to live in neighborhoods that align with their preferences while maintaining affordability.

What Is the Most Section 8 Will Pay in Hawaii?

HUD bases the maximum amount of payments on the fair market rent (FMR) value in Hawaii. FMR shows the average cost of a reasonably priced home, using the 40th percentile of rents in the area.

The Section 8 voucher amount depends on the FMR, the family's income, and the local housing market conditions. The voucher generally covers the difference between 30% of the family's adjusted income and the price of the apartment.

Because Hawaii's cost of living is so high, the Section 8 voucher amount in Hawaii may be more substantial compared to other states. The actual amount can vary based on factors such as the family's income, the size of the family, and the specific location within Hawaii.

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What are the Hawaii Section 8 Housing Requirements?

HUD determines the specific requirements for Section 8 at the federal level, but local Hawaii PHAs are in charge of them. While the general requirements are consistent nationwide, there may be some variations in local rules and preferences. Here are the typical eligibility criteria for Section 8 Housing:

• Income Limits: Household income must not exceed HUD’s thresholds, which vary by family size and location.
• Citizenship Status: Everyone in the home must be U.S. citizens or have eligible immigration status.
• Family Size: The number of people in the household affects the income limits and voucher size.
• Criminal Background Check: Certain convictions, such as drug-related or violent crimes, may disqualify applicants.
• Rental History: Individuals with a history of eviction or lease violations may be ineligible.
• Compliance with Program Rules: Participants must follow program regulations, including reporting income changes.

Priority is often given to households with elderly members, disabled individuals, or those experiencing homelessness.

What are the Income Limits for Housing Assistance Programs in Hawaii?

The median income for residents of Hawaii is $98,317 but varies based on the island where they live and whether they live in an urban or rural setting. Because this amount is high compared to the rest of the U.S., the income limits for Section 8 are also higher.

Each PHA has its own rules, but the City and County of Honolulu, for example, consider anyone who makes 80% or less of the area’s median income to be eligible for the program. This amount could be higher if members of the family are disabled, elderly, or children.

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How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Section 8 in Hawaii?

Approval timelines for Section 8 in Hawaii can be lengthy due to high demand and limited resources. On average:

• Initial Application Review: Pre-applicants receive notification within 10 days of the waiting list closing.
• Waiting List Placement: Applicants often remain on the waiting list for 2-7 years or longer, depending on their location and circumstances.
• Final Approval: Once a voucher becomes available, applicants have 60-90 days to secure housing.

Applicants who apply for Section 8 in Hawaii when a waiting list is open will receive a letter within 10 days of the list closing, letting them know if they are on the list. This information is not available by phone before the end of the 10 days.

According to the Hawai’i Public Housing Authority, the wait time to receive housing vouchers can be two to seven years or longer. During this time, people can call the HPHA to check on the status of their applications.

How To Qualify for Section 8 in Hawaii

Qualifying for Section 8 in Hawaii requires meeting financial, citizenship, and behavioral standards. However, PHAs give priority to households with a disabled family member between the ages of 18 and 62.

To receive priority, applicants must submit evidence of the family member’s disability. This documentation could include an award letter from the Social Security Administration or a certified form from a medical professional. The family also must meet the requirements for an apartment of a certain size.

How To Apply for Section 8 Housing in Hawaii

To apply for Section 8 in Hawaii:

• Access the Online Application: Applications are only accepted online through the HPHA’s system. Visit the Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority website.
• Gather Required Documents: Prepare proof of income, identification, and Social Security numbers for all household members.
• Complete the Application: Fill out the online form accurately. Ensure only one application is submitted per household to avoid disqualification.
• Receive Confirmation: The system will provide a confirmation number after submission. Retain this for future reference.

The Hawai’i Public Housing Authority does not accept applications in person or by telephone. It instead has an online system to accept pre-applications. People can use tablets or smartphones to access the application, but computers or laptops generally work better because they have more compatible operating systems. The application is available in 12 languages. Interpreters are also available to meet virtually with those who need help understanding or filling out the application. There is no fee to apply.

Can I transfer my Section 8 Voucher to Hawaii?

Yes; transferring a voucher to Hawaii from another state is possible, but keep in mind it is subject to certain conditions and limitations. Officials refer to this process as portability, and whether a person can do it depends on several factors.

Both the housing authority in the current location and the receiving housing authority in Hawaii must agree to the transfer. The receiving PHA will then determine whether the family meets the eligibility criteria of the area where they want to live. These criteria include income limits, family composition, and other program requirements. 

Can I Buy a House with a Section 8 Voucher in Hawaii?

The Homeownership Voucher Program allows some program participants to use their vouchers toward the purchase of homes. To be eligible, they must earn a certain amount of money not exceeding 120% of the area’s median income, work at least part-time, and meet other requirements.

Only a few PHAs in Hawaii, such as the Honolulu Department of Community Services, participate in this program. Interested applicants should contact their PHA for details. Because Section 8 in Hawaii primarily assists with payments on rental properties, most other PHAs in the state do not. 

What are the Public Housing Authorities in Hawaii?

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Six public housing authorities oversee Section 8 in Hawaii. The Hawai’i Public Housing Authority oversees Section 8 on Oahu and, although located on Oahu, the Honolulu Community Action Program handles housing for the City and County of Honolulu. 

The other public housing authorities in Hawaii are as follows:

• Maui County Department of Housing and Human Concerns in Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai
• Kauai County Housing Agency on the island of Kauai
• Hawaii County Office of Housing and Community Development in Hawaii County, which includes the Big Island

Hawaii Waiting List for Section 8 Housing

Housing authorities receive such a large number of applications for Section 8 in Hawaii that they must maintain a waiting list for the program. Certain applications, such as those from homeless or disabled individuals, may receive expedited consideration.

Applicants should regularly update their contact information and monitor their status. Note that some waiting lists use lotteries to determine placement.

Once they receive an application, they put it on the bottom of the list. When participants leave the program or HUD issues new vouchers, applications move closer to the top of the list.

Is Emergency Housing Assistance Available in Hawaii?

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Section 8 in Hawaii provides long-term solutions to housing insecurity and does not provide emergency shelter. However, local PHAs do sometimes receive a limited number of Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs) through the American Rescue Plan Act for people who are at risk of homelessness, domestic violence, or human trafficking.

Other organizations help administer the State of Hawaii Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions’ Housing First program. They include the following:

• Catholic Charities Hawaii on Oahu and Kaua’i
• Family Life Center on Maui
• Hope Services on Hawai’i Island

Emergency housing solutions are limited. Contact local agencies or dial 211 for immediate assistance.

More Information About Section 8 in Hawaii

By providing financial assistance and flexible housing options, Hawaii’s Section 8 Housing program fosters stability and opportunity for low-income families. 

For more information about applying for Section 8 or exploring affordable housing solutions, visit the HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program or access resources at HUD Housing Network.