What the Hawaii Public Housing Authority Does
The Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) is a state agency that owns and manages public housing units across the islands and runs the Section 8 voucher program for renters. It does not build new housing or award grants — it maintains existing apartments and helps low-income households pay rent through vouchers. HPHA operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which means the programs work similarly to those on the mainland but are specific to Hawaii's housing market and waitlist management.
HPHA serves renters and homebuyers through two main paths: public housing (apartments HPHA owns) and Section 8 vouchers (payments toward rent in privately owned units). Both programs have separate waitlists, separate income limits, and separate process processes. The authority also manages some special programs for elderly residents and people with disabilities, though these are smaller and often have their own waiting periods.
Key Takeaways
- HPHA runs two separate programs — public housing (apartments it owns) and Section 8 vouchers (rent information in private units) — each with its own waitlist and income limits.
- Waitlists for both programs are typically closed or have years-long waits, so you should call HPHA directly to confirm whether applications are being taken.
- Income limits vary by family size and program type, and HPHA counts household income in a specific way that may include child support, Social Security, and unemployment benefits.
- You will need proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a background check before HPHA processes your process.
- HPHA has separate offices on Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai counties, and you must explore through the office that serves your county.
Public Housing: HPHA-Owned Apartments
Public housing means you rent an apartment that HPHA owns. Your rent is set at 30 percent of your household income (or the minimum rent, whichever is higher), and HPHA covers the rest of the cost. The apartments are scattered across the islands — mostly on Oahu, but also on the Big Island, Maui, and Kauai. You do not choose the unit; HPHA assigns you one based on family size and availability.
The public housing waitlist has been closed on Oahu for several years. On the neighbor islands, some waitlists are open but move slowly. Before you spend time gathering documents, call the HPHA office that serves your county and ask whether the public housing waitlist is currently open. If it is, expect to wait anywhere from one to five years or longer, depending on the island and your priority (families with children and elderly residents sometimes move faster).
To be considered for public housing, your household income must fall below a certain limit. For a family of four on Oahu, that limit is roughly $50,000 to $55,000 per year, but this changes annually and varies by island. HPHA counts income from all household members age 18 and older, including wages, Social Security, unemployment, child support, and some other sources. Assets above a certain threshold can also affect your status.
Section 8 Vouchers: Rent Help in Private Units
A Section 8 voucher is a monthly payment from HPHA to your landlord. You find your own apartment in the private market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and HPHA pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference (usually 30 percent of your income). The voucher amount depends on the size of your family and the area where you live.
The Section 8 waitlist is also typically closed statewide. When it does open, it fills within hours or days. HPHA maintains a waitlist even when applications are not being taken, so you can call to ask to be added to the list for future openings. Some islands have shorter waits than others — Kauai and Maui sometimes move faster than Oahu — but all waitlists are long.
Income limits for Section 8 are higher than for public housing. A family of four might have an income limit around $60,000 to $65,000 per year, again varying by island and updated annually. You must also have a valid lease or a landlord willing to sign one before HPHA issues your voucher. Landlords are not required to accept Section 8, so finding a unit can take time even after you receive the voucher.
Income Limits and How HPHA Counts Income
HPHA uses federal income limits that change each year. The limits depend on family size and the island where you live. Oahu typically has higher limits than the neighbor islands because the cost of living is higher. You can find current limits on the HPHA website or by calling your county office, but here is what counts toward your income:
- Wages and salary from employment.
- Self-employment income (after business expenses).
- Social Security, SSI, and other retirement benefits.
- Unemployment insurance and workers' compensation.
- Child support and alimony received.
- Disability payments and veteran benefits.
- Interest, dividends, and rental income from property you own.
HPHA does not count some income sources: Supplemental Nutrition information Program (SNAP) benefits, Temporary information for Needy Families (TANF), certain educational grants, and some other information. If you are unsure whether a specific income source counts, ask the HPHA office when you call. Income is calculated as a 12-month average, so a recent job loss or temporary income change may not when ready affect your status.
Documents You Will Need to Provide
HPHA requires specific documents before it can process your process. Have these ready before you explore, because the process moves faster if you submit everything at once. Here is what you typically need:
- Proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID).
- Proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, naturalization papers, green card, or visa).
- Proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security statement, unemployment letter).
- Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency).
- Social Security numbers for all household members.
- Authorization for a background check and credit check.
If you receive benefits (Social Security, disability, unemployment), bring the most recent award letter or benefit statement. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years. If you have no income, bring a letter from a social service agency or a statement explaining your situation. HPHA may ask for additional documents depending on your circumstances — for example, if you have a criminal history or an eviction record, they will want to review those details.
HPHA Offices by County and How to Contact Them
HPHA operates separate offices for each county. You must explore through the office that serves the county where you want to live. Here is how to reach them:
| County | Service Area | Contact Method |
|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | Oahu | Call (808) 586-2700 or visit the main office in Honolulu |
| Hawaii | Big Island | Call (808) 961-9433 or visit the Hilo office |
| Maui | Maui and Molokai | Call (808) 873-3369 or visit the Kahului office |
| Kauai | Kauai and Niihau | Call (808) 241-6800 or visit the Lihue office |
When you call, ask whether the public housing or Section 8 waitlist is open. If it is closed, ask whether you can be added to a future opening list. If it is open, ask what documents you need and whether you can submit your process by mail, in person, or online. Processing times vary, but expect at least four to eight weeks from submission to a decision.
Special Programs for Elderly and Disabled Residents
HPHA manages some housing units reserved for elderly residents (age 62 and older) and people with disabilities. These programs have separate waitlists and sometimes shorter waits than general public housing. Income limits may be slightly different, and some programs offer supportive services like case management or transportation.
To learn whether you meet the age or disability requirements and whether units are available in your area, contact your county HPHA office. Elderly applicants should ask about senior housing specifically. People with disabilities should ask about accessible units and whether HPHA offers any programs that combine housing with support services. The availability of these programs changes by island and by year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher or public housing unit?
If the waitlist is open and you are approved, expect to wait one to five years or longer, depending on the island and program. On Oahu, waits are typically longer. On smaller islands like Kauai, the wait may be shorter. Some applicants wait 10 years or more. Call HPHA to ask about current wait times for your specific county.
Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?
Yes. They are separate programs with separate waitlists, so you can be on both. Being approved for one does not affect your status on the other. You can also move from public housing to Section 8 later if you prefer to find your own apartment.
What happens if I get a job and my income goes above the limit?
HPHA has income limits for initial approval, but once you are in the program, your rent may increase as your income rises. You do not automatically lose your voucher or apartment if you earn more. However, if your income stays above the limit for a certain period (usually one year), HPHA may end your information. Ask your case manager about the exact rules for your situation.
Do I need a lease to explore for Section 8?
No, but you will need one before HPHA issues your voucher. You can explore while you are still looking for an apartment. Once you are approved, you have a certain amount of time (usually 60 to 90 days) to find a unit and have the landlord sign the lease.
What if I have an eviction or criminal record?
HPHA considers criminal history and eviction records but does not automatically deny applicants. The decision depends on the nature and timing of the offense or eviction. Call HPHA to discuss your specific situation before you explore, so you know what to expect.