What Section 8 looks like in Hawaii

Section 8 in Hawaii works the same way as everywhere else — the federal government subsidizes your rent, you pay a portion based on your income, and a housing authority pays the landlord the difference. But Hawaii's program has its own waiting lists, its own local rules about how much you contribute, and its own set of landlords who will accept the voucher. The state has four separate housing authorities, each running their own program for their island or region.

The four authorities are: the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (which covers Oahu), the Maui County Housing Authority (Maui, Molokai, and Lanai), the Hawaii County Housing Authority (the Big Island), and the Kauai County Housing Authority (Kauai). You explore to the authority that covers the island where you want to live. If you move between islands, you will need to transfer your voucher through a process called portability, which takes time and requires the new authority to agree.

Rent in Hawaii is high, which means Section 8 subsidies go further here than in most states, but also that your portion of the rent will still be substantial. The program pays the difference between 30 percent of your income and the fair market rent for your area — that percentage is set by federal law and does not change by state.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore to one of four island-based housing authorities, not a single statewide office, and each has its own waiting list and timeline.
  • The Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) covers Oahu and typically has the longest waiting list of the four authorities.
  • You must have a valid lease with a landlord who accepts Section 8 before the housing authority will issue a voucher, and landlords in Hawaii are not required to participate.
  • Your monthly rent contribution is 30 percent of your gross household income, and the housing authority pays the landlord the rest up to the fair market rent limit for your area.
  • If you move between islands, you will need to request portability and wait for the new authority to approve the transfer before your voucher works in the new location.

The four housing authorities and where to contact them

Each authority manages its own waiting list and processes applications independently. The Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) is the largest and covers Honolulu and the rest of Oahu — it has the longest wait times, sometimes several years. The other three authorities (Maui County, Hawaii County, and Kauai County) typically have shorter waits but serve smaller populations.

To find the authority for your island and get current information about whether their waiting list is open, contact the office directly. HPHA's main office is in Honolulu; the other three are based on their respective islands. Each authority has its own phone number, website, and process process, though the basic requirements are the same across all four.

You can only be on one waiting list at a time. If you are unsure which island you will live on, explore to the authority where you have the strongest chance of finding housing and landlord participation — usually the island where you already have family, employment, or a lease in progress.

What you need before you can get a voucher

Section 8 in Hawaii requires you to find a rental unit and a landlord willing to accept the voucher before the housing authority will issue your voucher. This is different from some other states where you receive the voucher first and then search. You need a signed lease or a landlord's written commitment to rent to you once the voucher is approved.

The housing authority will then inspect the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards — the roof does not leak, the plumbing works, there is adequate heat and light, and so on. If the unit fails inspection, the landlord must make repairs before you can move in. This process typically takes two to four weeks after you submit your lease.

Finding a landlord willing to accept Section 8 is often the hardest part in Hawaii. Many landlords prefer to rent at market rate without the voucher program's inspections and paperwork. Ask your housing authority for a list of landlords who have previously accepted Section 8, or search online for "Section 8 friendly landlords Hawaii." Some nonprofits and community organizations also maintain lists of participating landlords by island.

Income limits and how much you will pay

Income limits for Section 8 in Hawaii are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and vary by island and household size. Very generally, a single person earning under $35,000 to $40,000 per year may be within the limit, but the exact number depends on your specific island and family composition. Contact your local housing authority for the current income limit for your household size.

Your monthly rent contribution is always 30 percent of your gross household income — that is, your income before taxes. If your gross income is $2,000 per month, you pay $600 toward rent. The housing authority pays the landlord the rest, up to the fair market rent ceiling for your area. If the fair market rent for a two-bedroom in your neighborhood is $2,200 and you are only paying $600, the authority covers $1,600. If the landlord wants $2,500, you would have to pay the extra $300 out of pocket, or the landlord would have to lower the rent.

Your income is recertified once per year. If your income goes up, your rent contribution goes up. If it goes down, your contribution goes down. The housing authority will ask you to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of income at your annual recertification appointment.

Waiting lists and how long it takes

All four Hawaii housing authorities maintain waiting lists, and all of them are currently open, though that can change. Wait times vary dramatically by island. HPHA on Oahu has reported waits of three to five years or longer in recent years. The other three authorities typically have waits of one to two years, though this changes based on funding and turnover.

When you explore, you are added to the waiting list in the order your process is received. Some authorities use a lottery system for certain periods, which means your position is random rather than based on process date. Ask your housing authority whether they use a lottery or a first-come, first-served system.

While you are on the waiting list, you can move, change jobs, or change your household composition. You must notify the housing authority of major changes — especially income changes, household size changes, or if you move to a different island. If you move off the island you applied for, you will need to request portability or reapply to the new island's authority.

Portability: moving your voucher between islands

If you receive a Section 8 voucher on one island and then move to another island, you can request portability. This means your voucher moves with you, but the new island's housing authority takes over managing your case. The process requires the new authority to approve the transfer, which is not automatic.

To request portability, contact your current housing authority and tell them you are moving. They will send a portability request to the new authority. The new authority then decides whether to accept you — they are not required to, especially if their waiting list is very long or if they do not have funding. If they accept, your voucher becomes active in the new location. If they decline, you will need to reapply to their waiting list.

Portability can take several weeks to several months. During this time, your voucher may not be usable in the new location. Plan ahead if you know you are moving between islands, and contact both authorities before you sign a lease in the new location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Section 8 voucher if I move to the mainland?

Yes, but you will need to request portability and the receiving state's housing authority must approve it. Some states and regions are more willing to accept portability transfers than others. Contact the housing authority in the state where you are moving before you relocate to find out whether they will accept your voucher.

What happens if my landlord stops accepting Section 8 or asks me to leave?

Your lease is a legal contract, and a landlord cannot evict you straightforward because you have a Section 8 voucher. However, they can choose not to renew your lease when it expires. If you are evicted for cause (nonpayment, lease violation, or damage), Section 8 does not protect you. If your landlord stops accepting Section 8, contact your housing authority when ready — they may be able to help you find a new unit or negotiate with the landlord.

Do I have to live in public housing to get Section 8?

No. Section 8 is a rental subsidy that works with private landlords. You find your own apartment or house, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the housing authority pays part of the rent. You are not required to live in a public housing project.

What if I have an eviction or criminal record?

Each housing authority has its own policies on criminal history and evictions. Some will not accept applicants with recent evictions or certain types of criminal convictions. Contact your local authority to ask about their specific policies — they can tell you whether your history will disqualify you before you explore.

Can I work while receiving Section 8?

Yes. Section 8 is based on your income, not your employment status. If you work, your income counts toward the 30 percent calculation. If you are unemployed or on disability, that does not disqualify you — the program is open to people with any source of income, including benefits.