Section 8 Hawaii: Eligibility, Application, and Waiting Lists

Finding affordable housing in Hawaii can be difficult, especially for families and individuals with limited income. Section 8 Hawaii, officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, helps eligible households pay rent in privately owned housing.

The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by public housing agencies in Hawaii. If approved, you may receive a housing voucher that pays part of your rent directly to the landlord. You are generally responsible for paying the remaining approved amount.

This guide explains how Section 8 works in Hawaii, who may qualify, where to apply, how waiting lists work, and what happens after you receive a voucher.

Quick Answer: How Does Section 8 Hawaii Work?

Section 8 Hawaii provides rental assistance to eligible low-income households. Participants may use a Housing Choice Voucher to rent an approved apartment, townhouse, or single-family home in the private rental market.

The housing agency pays part of the approved housing cost directly to the landlord. The tenant pays the remaining amount based on household income, family circumstances, rent, utilities, and program rules.

Receiving a voucher is not automatic. You generally must:

• Meet the housing agency’s eligibility requirements
• Apply when an appropriate waiting list is open
• Complete the required eligibility review
• Receive a voucher when funding becomes available
• Find a rental unit that meets program requirements
• Obtain approval before rental assistance begins

Official Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Housing Choice Voucher Program

What Is the Section 8 Program in Hawaii?

Section 8 is the common name for the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program. It helps eligible low-income families, older adults, and people with disabilities afford housing in the private rental market.

The program is different from public housing. Public housing generally involves properties owned or managed by a public housing agency. With a Housing Choice Voucher, participants may search for privately owned rental housing that meets program requirements.

A voucher may potentially be used for eligible housing such as:

• Apartments
• Townhouses
• Duplexes
• Single-family rental homes

The property owner must be willing to participate in the program, and the housing agency must approve the unit and rent.

Official Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Hawaii Housing Resources

Who Manages Section 8 in Hawaii?

Section 8 is funded by HUD but administered locally by public housing agencies.

The Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) operates a Housing Choice Voucher Program. However, Hawaii residents may also need to apply through a county or local housing agency depending on where they live or where they want to receive assistance.

Housing agencies serving different areas may include:

• Hawaii Public Housing Authority
• City and County of Honolulu
• County of Hawaii
• County of Maui
• County of Kauai

Each housing agency may operate its own waiting list, application process, local preferences, and administrative rules. A waiting list being closed at one agency does not necessarily mean every Section 8 waiting list in Hawaii is closed.

Official Source: Hawaii Public Housing Authority – Housing Choice Voucher Program

Who Is Eligible for Section 8 Hawaii?

Eligibility for Section 8 Hawaii depends on federal requirements and the policies of the housing agency handling the application.

Housing agencies generally review several factors.

Household Income

Your household income must be within the HUD income limits used by the housing agency.

Income limits are based on factors such as:

• Household size
• County or local area
• Local median income
• Current HUD income guidelines

Because income limits vary by location and may change, there is no single statewide income limit that applies to every Section 8 applicant in Hawaii.

Households with very low or extremely low incomes may receive priority under federal program rules or local housing agency policies.

Household Composition

Housing agencies may review the number of people who will live in the home and their relationship to one another.

Eligible households may include:

• Families with children
• Married or unmarried households
• Single adults
• Older adults
• People with disabilities

You do not necessarily need to have children to apply for a Housing Choice Voucher.

Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status

Household members may be required to provide information about U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.

A household with members who have different immigration statuses may still be considered for assistance. However, the amount of assistance may be affected by the eligibility status of household members.

Social Security Numbers and Identification

Applicants may be asked to provide Social Security numbers and identity documents for household members when required under program rules.

Other Eligibility Requirements

A housing agency may review additional information, including:

• Rental history
• Previous participation in federal housing programs
• Certain criminal history
• Debts owed to a public housing agency
• Accuracy of information provided on the application

Meeting the income requirements does not guarantee that you will receive a voucher.

Official Source: Hawaii Public Housing Authority – Housing Choice Voucher Program

What Income Counts for Section 8 Eligibility in Hawaii?

Housing agencies generally review the expected annual income of household members.

Depending on HUD rules and individual circumstances, countable income may include:

• Wages and salaries
• Self-employment income
• Social Security benefits
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Retirement or pension income
• Unemployment compensation
• Certain recurring payments
• Income from assets in some situations

Some types of income may be excluded under federal rules.

Do not leave income off your application because you believe it does not count. Report the requested information accurately and allow the housing agency to determine whether it should be included or excluded.

How to Apply for Section 8 Hawaii

The Section 8 application process may differ depending on the housing agency. However, applicants generally follow these steps.

Step 1: Find the Housing Agency Serving Your Area

Determine which housing agency operates the Housing Choice Voucher Program where you live or where you want to apply.

You may be able to apply to more than one housing agency if multiple waiting lists are open and you meet their requirements.

Step 2: Check Whether the Waiting List Is Open

Housing agencies may close waiting lists when the number of applicants is much larger than the number of vouchers expected to become available.

Check the housing agency’s official website for:

• Waiting-list announcements
• Application dates
• Application instructions
• Local eligibility requirements
• Required documents

Do not assume that a waiting list is open because an unofficial website offers an application form.

Step 3: Complete the Application

When applications are accepted, follow the housing agency’s instructions carefully.

You may need to provide information about:

• Full names of household members
• Dates of birth
• Social Security numbers, when required
• Household income
• Employment
• Benefits and other income
• Current address
• Contact information
• Disability or other preference information, when applicable

Review the application before submitting it. Incorrect or incomplete information may delay processing or affect eligibility.

Step 4: Save Your Application Information

Keep copies or screenshots of:

• Your application
• Confirmation number
• Registration information
• Emails or letters from the housing agency

You may need this information to check your status or update your application.

Step 5: Keep Your Information Updated

Notify the housing agency if important information changes, including your:

• Mailing address
• Phone number
• Email address
• Household members
• Income, when required

If the housing agency cannot contact you, your application may be removed from the waiting list.

Is the Section 8 Hawaii Waiting List Open?

Section 8 waiting-list availability changes over time. A housing agency may open a waiting list for a limited period and close it after receiving enough applications.

Some agencies may use a lottery or random-selection process when applications exceed available resources. Applying early may not provide an advantage when a lottery system is used.

The Hawaii Public Housing Authority and county housing agencies may have different waiting-list schedules. Always check the agency’s official website for current information.

Avoid relying only on social media posts or old news articles because waiting-list information may no longer be accurate.

How Long Is the Section 8 Waiting List in Hawaii?

There is no standard waiting time for Section 8 Hawaii.

The amount of time you wait may depend on:

• The number of applicants
• Available vouchers and program funding
• Your position or selection status
• Local preferences
• Household circumstances
• The number of families leaving the program

Some applicants may wait a long time before receiving assistance. Being placed on a waiting list does not guarantee that you will receive a voucher.

Continue checking your application status and respond promptly if the housing agency requests information.

Does Hawaii Section 8 Give Preferences to Certain Applicants?

A public housing agency may use local preferences when selecting applicants from a waiting list.

Preferences vary by agency and may include certain households experiencing specific housing needs or other qualifying circumstances.

Having a preference does not automatically guarantee approval. The housing agency must verify the information before applying a preference.

Read the application instructions carefully and provide accurate documents if you claim a preference.

What Happens After You Are Selected?

Being selected from a waiting list does not necessarily mean you are fully approved.

The housing agency may ask you to complete an eligibility review and provide updated documents.

The review may include verification of:

• Household income
• Household members
• Assets
• Citizenship or eligible immigration status
• Social Security numbers, when required
• Eligibility for a claimed preference
• Other information required by the program

You may also be required to attend a briefing explaining how the voucher program works.

If you meet the requirements and assistance is available, the housing agency may issue a Housing Choice Voucher.

How Much Rent Do Section 8 Tenants Pay in Hawaii?

Section 8 tenants generally pay a portion of their housing costs based on household income and HUD program rules.

The exact amount may depend on:

• Adjusted household income
• Approved rent for the unit
• Utility responsibilities
• Housing agency payment standards
• Applicable deductions and allowances

The housing agency calculates the tenant’s required payment. The agency then pays the approved housing assistance amount directly to the landlord.

A voucher does not necessarily cover every housing expense. Tenants may still be responsible for approved rent amounts, utilities, deposits, and other costs that are not covered by the program.

How to Find Housing With a Section 8 Voucher in Hawaii

After receiving a voucher, you generally have a limited amount of time to find an eligible rental property.

You may search for:

• Apartments
• Townhouses
• Duplexes
• Single-family rental homes

Before signing a lease, make sure the housing agency has reviewed the required information.

The housing agency generally must determine that:

• The unit meets applicable housing requirements
• The requested rent is reasonable
• The landlord agrees to participate
• The lease and required documents meet program rules

Do not assume that receiving a voucher means any rental property will automatically be approved.

Does a Landlord Have to Accept Section 8 in Hawaii?

In many cases, a landlord in Hawaii cannot refuse an applicant simply because the applicant uses a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher.

Effective May 1, 2023, Hawaii Act 310 prohibits many landlords from discriminating against prospective or current tenants because they participate in a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program or another covered housing assistance program. The law also generally prohibits discriminatory rental advertisements, such as stating that Section 8 vouchers are not accepted.

However, the law includes exemptions. The source-of-income protections generally do not apply to an owner who owns four or fewer dwelling units in Hawaii. Certain other situations are also exempt, including specific owner-occupied housing arrangements and some rentals involving shared living space. Because the application of an exemption may depend on the property and ownership circumstances, tenants and landlords should review the law or contact the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission when necessary.

A landlord covered by the law may still use lawful and consistently applied rental screening requirements. For example, a landlord may consider an applicant’s rental history, references, ability to pay the tenant’s required portion of the rent, and other legitimate qualification standards. However, the landlord cannot reject an otherwise qualified applicant simply because the applicant uses a Section 8 voucher or because participation requires additional forms, inspections, or other program procedures.

The property and proposed tenancy must also qualify under Housing Choice Voucher program rules. The housing agency must generally determine that:

• The requested rent is reasonable
• The housing costs are affordable under applicable program requirements
• The property passes the required inspection
• The lease and tenancy meet program rules
• The landlord completes the required documents and Housing Assistance Payments contract

Therefore, Hawaii law does not require a landlord to approve every Section 8 applicant or accept every proposed tenancy. A landlord may deny an applicant for a lawful, nondiscriminatory reason or decline a proposed arrangement that cannot meet housing agency requirements. However, unless an exemption applies, a landlord generally cannot refuse an applicant merely because the applicant participates in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Official Source: Hawaii Civil Rights Commission – Hawaiʻi Law Prohibits Housing Discrimination Based on Participation in the Section 8 Voucher Program

https://labor.hawaii.gov/hcrc/source-of-income-discrimination-in-housing-prohibited-starting-may-1-2023/

Official Source: Hawaii State Legislature – Act 310, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022

Official Source: Hawaii Public Housing Authority – Become a Section 8 Landlord

Can You Use a Hawaii Section 8 Voucher on Another Island?

Housing Choice Vouchers may allow participants to move to another housing agency’s jurisdiction through a process called portability.

However, portability rules may depend on factors such as:

• Whether you are a new or current voucher participant
• Residency requirements
• The policies of the current housing agency
• The receiving housing agency’s procedures
• Available funding

Contact your current housing agency before moving, signing a lease, or making financial commitments.

Can You Move Section 8 From Another State to Hawaii?

A participant with an eligible Housing Choice Voucher may be able to move from another state to Hawaii through portability.

The current housing agency and the receiving Hawaii housing agency must coordinate the transfer.

Before planning a move:

1. Contact the housing agency currently managing your voucher.
2. Ask whether you are eligible to move through portability.
3. Request instructions for transferring the voucher.
4. Contact the receiving housing agency when instructed.
5. Wait for approval before signing a new lease.

Moving without following portability procedures could affect your rental assistance.

How to Check Your Section 8 Application Status

The process for checking an application depends on the housing agency.

You may be able to check your status through:

• An online applicant portal
• Email
• Mail
• A housing agency phone number

Keep your application or confirmation number in a safe place.

If you contact the housing agency, be prepared to provide identifying information so staff can locate your application.

Common Section 8 Hawaii Application Mistakes

Avoiding common mistakes may help prevent delays or problems with your application.

Common mistakes include:

• Applying through an unofficial website
• Paying someone to submit a free waiting-list application
• Providing incomplete household information
• Failing to report requested income
• Using an address where you cannot receive mail
• Missing housing agency letters or deadlines
• Forgetting to update your phone number or address
• Assuming that joining the waiting list guarantees a voucher
• Signing a lease before receiving housing agency approval

Always read notices carefully and respond by the stated deadline.

How to Avoid Section 8 Housing Scams in Hawaii

Scammers may target people searching for affordable housing or waiting-list applications.

Be cautious if someone:

• Guarantees immediate Section 8 approval
• Promises to move you to the top of a waiting list
• Charges a fee to join a Section 8 waiting list
• Requests payment through gift cards or unusual payment methods
• Asks for sensitive information through an unverified website
• Advertises a rental but refuses to show the property

Applying for a Section 8 waiting list is generally free.

Use official government websites and contact the housing agency directly if you are unsure whether an announcement is legitimate.

Conclusion:

Section 8 Hawaii can help eligible low-income families, older adults, people with disabilities, and other qualifying households afford rental housing in the private market.

To apply, identify the housing agency serving your preferred area, check whether its waiting list is open, submit accurate information, and keep your contact details updated. Because waiting-list availability and income limits may change, verify current information through the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, the appropriate county housing agency, or HUD.

If you receive a voucher, you must still find an eligible rental property and complete the housing agency’s approval process before assistance can begin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)