What the Hawaii Public Housing Authority does in Honolulu

The Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) owns and manages public housing units across the state, including properties in Honolulu. The authority is a state agency that leases apartments to low-income households at below-market rents. In Honolulu specifically, HPHA operates several family and elderly housing communities, though the number of units available is limited compared to the demand.

HPHA is separate from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), though it follows federal public housing rules because it receives federal funding. This means the agency must follow both state law and federal requirements when managing properties, setting rent, and deciding who can live there. If you are looking for public housing in Honolulu, you will work directly with HPHA's local office, not with HUD.

The agency also administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) in Hawaii, though that program works differently from public housing and has its own waiting list and rules.

Key Takeaways

  • HPHA is a state agency that manages public housing in Honolulu and across Hawaii, with rent set at 30 percent of your household income.
  • Public housing in Honolulu has long waiting lists, and you must meet income limits and background requirements to be considered.
  • You can contact HPHA's Honolulu office directly to ask about current openings and to request information about how to be placed on a waiting list.
  • HPHA also runs the Housing Choice Voucher program, which is a separate program with different rules and its own waiting list.
  • Rent in public housing is based on your income, not on market rates, but you are responsible for utilities and other costs not covered by the lease.

How rent works in HPHA public housing

In HPHA public housing, your rent is set at 30 percent of your household's adjusted gross income. This means if your household earns $2,000 per month, your rent would be $600. The authority calculates your income using rules set by HUD, which include deductions for dependents, medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members, and other factors. You will need to report your income when you move in and update it annually.

Utilities are typically not included in your rent payment. You pay the electric company, water department, and other utility providers separately. Some HPHA properties may have utilities included or partially covered, so ask when you contact the office. Your lease will specify what you are responsible for paying.

If your income drops, your rent can go down. If your income rises, your rent will increase at your next annual recertification. HPHA must give you notice before raising your rent, and you have the right to request a hearing if you believe the calculation is wrong.

Income limits and who can live in HPHA housing

To be considered for HPHA public housing in Honolulu, your household income must fall below the area median income limit set by HUD. These limits change each year and vary by household size. For example, the limit for a family of four is higher than for a single person. You can contact HPHA's Honolulu office to learn the current limits for your household size.

You must also pass a background check. HPHA will look at your criminal history, eviction history, and rental payment history. A criminal conviction or recent eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but HPHA considers the nature of the offense and how long ago it occurred. If you have been evicted, you may still be considered if enough time has passed and you can show you have paid rent on time since then.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. You will need to provide proof of identity and citizenship or immigration documents. If any household member is not a citizen, HPHA will verify their status with federal immigration authorities.

How to request information about public housing in Honolulu

Contact the HPHA Honolulu office directly to learn about current openings and waiting lists. The office can tell you whether units are available, what the wait time is, and what documents you will need to provide. You can reach HPHA by phone, in person, or by mail. The office address and phone number are available on the HPHA website and through a local 211 call.

When you contact HPHA, have ready your household size, current income, and any special needs (such as accessibility requirements or a need for family housing). The office will explain the process and tell you what to bring if you want to move forward. Do not assume you will be turned down based on your background — HPHA considers each case individually, and you have the right to explain your circumstances.

If HPHA tells you there are no units available now, ask to be placed on the waiting list. Waiting lists can be long in Honolulu, sometimes several years, but your position on the list is based on when you requested it. Some properties may have shorter waits than others, so ask about all available communities.

What happens after you are placed on the waiting list

Once you are on the waiting list, HPHA will contact you when a unit becomes available that matches your household size and needs. You will be offered a specific apartment in a specific building. You do not get to choose the location or unit type — you accept what is offered or go to the back of the list. If you turn down an offer without good cause, HPHA may remove you from the list.

Before you move in, HPHA will conduct a home inspection of the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. You will sign a lease that explains your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. The lease covers how long you can stay, what you can and cannot do in the unit, and what happens if you break the lease.

After you move in, HPHA will recertify your income once a year. You must report any changes in household composition, income, or employment. If you do not report changes, HPHA may terminate your lease. You also have the right to request a hearing if HPHA proposes to evict you or raise your rent.

The difference between public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers

HPHA manages both public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), but they are two separate programs with different rules. In public housing, HPHA owns the building and you are HPHA's tenant. In the Housing Choice Voucher program, you find your own apartment in the private market and the voucher helps pay the rent to your landlord.

Public housing rent is always 30 percent of your income. With a Housing Choice Voucher, you pay a portion of the rent and the voucher covers the rest, up to a limit set by HUD. Public housing has one waiting list; Housing Choice Vouchers have a separate waiting list. The wait for a voucher in Honolulu is often longer than the wait for public housing, and some voucher programs are closed to new applicants.

If you are interested in either program, contact HPHA and ask about both. The office can tell you which one might be a better fit for your situation and what the current wait times are.

Your rights as an HPHA tenant

As a tenant in HPHA public housing, you have the right to a lease that explains the terms of your tenancy. You have the right to privacy — HPHA can enter your unit only for inspections, repairs, or emergencies, and must give you notice except in true emergencies. You have the right to request a hearing before HPHA can evict you or terminate your lease for any reason other than nonpayment of rent.

You have the right to reasonable accommodations if you have a disability. This means HPHA must make changes to rules, policies, or the physical unit to allow you to use and enjoy the housing. For example, HPHA must allow a service animal even if the building has a no-pets policy. You must request an accommodation in writing and provide documentation of your disability and the need for the accommodation.

You have the right to organize with other tenants and to participate in tenant councils. HPHA cannot retaliate against you for complaining about conditions, reporting code violations, or participating in tenant activities. If you believe HPHA has retaliated against you, you can file a complaint with HUD.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for HPHA public housing in Honolulu?

Wait times vary by property and change frequently. Some communities may have waits of several years, while others may have shorter waits or occasional openings. Contact HPHA directly to learn the current wait time for the type of housing you need. Being on the list does not may provide you will be housed within a specific timeframe.

Can I be denied public housing because of a criminal record?

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. HPHA considers the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and your conduct since then. Violent crimes and drug-related convictions are viewed more seriously. You have the right to explain your circumstances, and HPHA must make an individualized decision about your case.

What if my income increases after I move into HPHA housing?

Your rent will increase at your next annual recertification, but only to 30 percent of your new income. You will not be evicted because your income rose. HPHA will notify you of the new rent amount and the date it takes effect. You can request a hearing if you believe the calculation is incorrect.

Can HPHA evict me without a hearing?

No. HPHA must provide notice and give you the opportunity to request a hearing before evicting you, except in cases of criminal activity or when ready danger. At the hearing, you can present your side of the story and challenge HPHA's reasons for eviction. You have the right to bring a representative or attorney to the hearing.

What should I do if HPHA housing is not available or the wait is too long?

Ask HPHA about the Housing Choice Voucher program, which may have different wait times. You can also contact local nonprofits and community organizations that help with housing — a 211 call will connect you with resources in Honolulu. Some programs help with rental deposits or first month's rent if you are renting in the private market.