Learn About Section 8 Housing in Hawaii

What Is Section 8 Housing and How Does It Work in Hawaii?

Section 8 housing is a federal program run by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that helps people pay rent. The program gets its name from Section 8 of the Housing Act of 1937. In Hawaii, the program operates through local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) that manage how vouchers are distributed and how the program runs in each county.

The basic idea behind Section 8 is straightforward: the government pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord, and you pay the rest. This means you contribute what the program considers an affordable amount based on your income, and the voucher covers the difference—up to certain limits. The program does not give money to you directly. Instead, it sends payment to your landlord each month.

In Hawaii, Section 8 operates in all four counties: Honolulu, Hawaii (Big Island), Maui, and Kalawao. Each county has its own PHA office that manages applications, maintains waiting lists, and oversees the program. Honolulu County, which covers Oahu, has by far the largest number of vouchers in the state, with several thousand active participants. The other counties have smaller but still significant programs.

The program allows you to choose your own rental unit from the private market, as long as the unit and landlord meet program standards. You are not limited to specific buildings or developments like you might be with public housing. This flexibility lets people live in various neighborhoods and communities throughout Hawaii. However, the rent amount must fall within what the program considers reasonable for your area.

Practical takeaway: Section 8 is a rent payment assistance program, not a housing assignment program. You find your own apartment, and the program helps pay part of the rent if you meet certain conditions.

Income Limits and Financial Requirements for Hawaii Residents

To participate in Section 8 housing in Hawaii, your household income must fall below certain thresholds. These limits change each year and vary by county and household size. The limits are set at 50% of the area median income (AMI) for your county. In practical terms, this means the program is designed for households with modest incomes.

For 2024, in Honolulu County, the income limits for a household of four is approximately $65,400 per year. This same household in Hawaii County (Big Island) would have a limit around $57,900 per year. Maui County's limits are similar to Hawaii County, while Kalawao County (which covers Molokai) has separate, typically lower limits. These numbers change annually, usually increasing slightly to account for inflation.

The program defines "income" broadly. It includes wages from employment, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment payments, child support, alimony, and many other sources. However, certain income does not count toward the limit. For example, income earned by full-time students (with some exceptions), certain scholarships, and special housing allowances are excluded from the calculation.

When calculating how much you pay toward rent, the program uses a formula. Typically, you pay 30% of your adjusted gross income, with certain deductions allowed. Deductions may include costs for childcare needed so you can work, medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members, and disabilities-related expenses. These deductions can reduce the amount you are counted as earning, which lowers your rent contribution.

The program also sets a minimum rent that most households must pay, usually between $50 and $200 per month depending on the PHA. This means even if your calculated 30% is less than the minimum, you still pay the minimum amount. This rule exists in most Hawaii counties.

Practical takeaway: Check the current income limits for your county and household size with your local PHA. Know that income includes many sources beyond just wages, and certain expenses can reduce what counts as your income.

The Application Process and Waiting Lists in Hawaii

Applying for Section 8 in Hawaii involves contacting your county's Public Housing Authority and submitting paperwork that documents your income, household composition, and living situation. Each county operates its own application process, though the general steps are similar across Hawaii.

The most significant barrier to getting a Section 8 voucher in Hawaii is the waiting list. Honolulu's Section 8 waiting list has been closed to new applications for several years because demand far exceeds the number of available vouchers. On Oahu, there are currently more than 15,000 households on the waiting list waiting for vouchers that may take years to become available. Hawaii County (Big Island), Maui County, and Kalawao County maintain open waiting lists at various times, but they too have significant wait periods.

When a county opens its waiting list—which might happen only every few years—there is often a short window during which people can submit applications. The specific dates and methods for applying vary by county. Some counties accept applications by mail, some in person at their offices, and some have moved to online systems. You should contact your county PHA directly to learn about current application procedures and waiting list status.

The application itself requires you to provide identification, proof of income (such as recent pay stubs or tax returns), proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status, references, and information about your current housing situation. You may also need to provide authorization for the PHA to verify information with employers, banks, and other sources. The documentation needed can be substantial, so it helps to gather records in advance.

Once your application is received and the PHA determines you meet basic requirements, your name goes on the waiting list. The wait time depends on the county. In some areas, it might be measured in years. During this waiting period, your circumstances may change—your income might increase or decrease, your family size might change, or you might move. You should notify the PHA of any significant changes, as they can affect your status when a voucher eventually becomes available.

Practical takeaway: Contact your county PHA now to learn whether their waiting list is open and what documents you need to prepare. Waiting lists are the main obstacle in Hawaii, particularly on Oahu.

Housing Quality Standards and Finding a Rental Unit

Once you receive a Section 8 voucher, you have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days depending on your PHA) to find a rental unit that meets program standards. The unit must pass an inspection conducted by the PHA before you can move in and the voucher can begin paying rent. These inspections ensure the unit is safe, clean, and in good working condition.

Section 8 inspections evaluate many aspects of the unit. Inspectors check that the roof does not leak, walls and ceilings are not damaged, flooring is safe, there is adequate heat and hot water, plumbing and electrical systems work properly, and the unit has functioning smoke detectors. The kitchen must have a working range/oven and refrigerator, and the bathroom must have working fixtures. Windows must be secure and able to open and close. There must be proper egress (means of escape) from bedrooms. Lead-based paint hazards must be addressed in units built before 1978.

Finding a landlord willing to accept Section 8 can be challenging in Hawaii. Some landlords hesitate because they have concerns about the program, tenant screening procedures, or lease restrictions. However, Section 8 offers advantages to landlords: guaranteed monthly payments from the government, ongoing PHA oversight, and the assurance that rent will be paid. Many landlords in Hawaii do participate in the program successfully.

When you find a potential unit, the landlord must agree to participate and to execute a lease with specific language required by the PHA. The unit must not exceed the "payment standard" set by your PHA—this is the maximum monthly rent amount the program will cover. In Honolulu, for example, 2024 payment standards range from about $1,600 for a one-bedroom to $2,600 for a four-bedroom. If the landlord wants more rent than the payment standard, you would need to pay the difference with your own money.

You should know that landlords cannot discriminate against you for using Section 8, though enforcing this protection can require legal action. Fair housing laws prohibit refusing to rent based on your voucher status. Some areas of Hawaii have additional local protections for Section 8 tenants.

Practical takeaway: Understand the inspection standards before you start apartment hunting. Focus on finding landlords who are