Frequently Asked Questions

You can periodically call 808-832-6015 for any current recruitment activities for positions within HPHA. Also, employment opportunities are advertised in the local weekend newspapers and are posted on HPHA's website under the Career tab at the bottom.

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You can also go to hawaii.gov for general state employment opportunities.

You can email HPHA at hpha@hawaii.gov with your request. You should provide your telephone number. You will be contacted on the cost of the document you want and asked to provide an address to where you want the document sent.

Unfortunately, HPHA can not assist you in your search for an affordable rental unless you qualify for our various housing programs. You should visit HPHA's website to verify that you do not qualify for any programs offered by HPHA. If you do not, the best up-to-date source of information on the local housing rental market is the classified ads in the local Honolulu newspapers.

Yes, residents can be hired as long as they meet the qualifications for a specific full time position being recruited for. In addition, HPHA does employ residents as part-time 19-hour resident aides. You can call 808-587-3447 for more information on job openings.

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You should call 911 and report the suspected illegal activity to the Police Department.

The 2003 Hawai‘i Housing Policy Study has been completed and provides updated information on the affordable housing situation in Hawaii, which includes housing statistics, trends, inventory, etc.

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You can go to www.hpha.gov to view the entire 2003 Hawai‘i Housing Policy Study.

There is a detailed guide to navigate the HUD website.
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Just click here view the guide.

Applicant must meet the following:

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• Income is within the limits set forth by HUD (Yearly Gross Income):

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[refer to the table on What is Public Housing]

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• Must be 18 years old or older, single, or a family of two or more individuals who intend to live together as a family unit and whose income and resources are available to meet their needs.
• No outstanding balance due to HPHA.
• Personal conduct will not be detrimental to the project or its residents.
• Not been a former tenant evicted since March 1, 1985.
• Meet the occupancy requirements set forth by HPHA.

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At this time, the waiting lists for the Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority’s federal and state public housing programs on O‘ahu are closed. Due to the long waiting lists, no applications are being accepted at this time. You may, however, request applications for public housing on Maui, Kaua‘i, and the Big Island. If you would like an Application Form sent to you, you can call 808-832-5961 or you can send electronic mail hpha@hawaii.gov and include your mailing address and phone number in the message.

Yes, you may apply for any or all HPHA housing programs that are open and that you qualify for.

The wait time varies depending upon the geographic area(s) you selected, your family size, and unit availability. The current wait time is approximately 2 to 7 years and may be possibly longer. To obtain current status on your position on the wait list, you should call the Application Office where you submitted your application or write the office for the latest information on your status on the list.

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For the addresses of HPHA Application Offices, you can click here for more detailed information.

You and your family will not be "forced to accept" an accessible unit unless you specifically applied for one and even then you have the option to not accept the unit. Once you have qualified for housing, it will be determined if a unit is available to meet your needs. If not, you will be placed on a housing waiting list for the type of unit you qualified for and requested.

The wait time varies depending upon the geographic area(s) you selected, your family size, and unit availability. The current wait time is approximately 2 to 7 years and may be possibly longer. To obtain current status on your position on the wait list, you should call the Application Office where you submitted your application or write the office for the latest information on your status on the list.

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For the addresses of HPHA Application Offices, you can click here for more detailed information.

The QHWRA of 1998 allows residents of "federal" public housing to have household pets as along as the residents follow the pet ownership policies and procedures established by the public housing agency. HPHA has established a pet application process and pet rules for residents of federal public housing to follow. Before a resident is allowed to have a pet in the unit, the resident must comply with the application process to allow the pet into the housing project. Residents must contact their project manager for more specific instructions on pet ownership before bringing a pet into their unit. Service animals for the elderly and/or disabled are exempt from the procedures. See your project manager for information on service animals.

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Click here to see the current HPHA Pet Policy.

Being a federal public housing project, the current improvements at the Kalihi Valley Homes are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Capital Fund Program (CFP). Each year HUD awards public housing authorities grants to accomplish capital improvements and management activities for their federal housing projects. Funds from the CFP grants can be used for a variety of uses:

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• Redesign, reconstruction, and reconfiguration of public housing projects.
• Vacancy reduction.
• Deferred maintenance use and replacement of obsolete utility systems and equipment.
• Planned code compliance.
• Management improvements.
• Demolition and replacement of housing units.
• Resident relocation during housing reconstruction.
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To see the latest Capital Fund Annual Reports and 5-Year Plan, click here.

At this time, the waiting lists for the Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority’s federal and state public housing programs on Oahu are closed. Due to the long waiting lists, no applications are being accepted at this time. You may, however, request applications for public housing on Maui, Kaua‘i, and the Big Island. If you would like an Application Form sent to you, you can call 808-832-5961 or you can send electronic mail hpha@hawaii.gov and include your mailing address and phone number in the message.

The current wait time is approximately 2 to 5 years depending upon your family size and unit availability. To obtain current status on your position on the wait list, you should call the Application Office where you submitted the application or write the office for the latest information on your status on the list.

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For the addresses of HPHA Application Offices, you can click here for more detailed information.

Pets are NOT allowed in state public housing units. Service animals for the elderly and/or disabled are exempt. See your project manager for information on service animals.

The Rent Supplement Program is a State of Hawai‘i funded program. The rental supplements help eligible families pay for part of their monthly rent. Families must pay at least 30% of their adjusted family income for rent. The difference between the family contributing rent payment and the total monthly rent, up to a maximum of $230.00 per month, is paid directly to the owner by HPHA. To qualify for this rental assistance program, a family must:

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• Be in a properly sized unit for its family size.
• Not be receiving financial assistance from the State of Hawaii, Department of Human Services.
• Provide reasonable assurances that you can pay your rent on time.
• Not have any outstanding debts owned to HPHA.
• Must be a legal resident of the State of Hawai‘i.
• Must not own or have majority interest in a dwelling unit on the same island on which you seek rent assistance.
• Must be within the income limits as prescribed in the Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 15, Chapter 184, Rent Supplement Program.
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For more information on the program, click here for more detailed information.

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HPHA offers programs in job training, high school equivalency diplomas (GET), and other areas that address the needs of residents who are seeking employment. You can contact HPHA at 808-832-5900 for more information.

A resident must be employed at least thirty hours per week to be exempt from completing the eight hours of Community Service each month. If you have more questions about Community Service, contact your Project Management Office.

From Notice PIH-2009-48 (HA)

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Exempt Residents: The Admissions and Continuing Occupancy Policy (ACOP) presents how the PHA determines if an individual is exempt from the CSSR and the documentation needed to support the exemption. Exemptions for adult residents unable to participate, as codified at 24 CFR 960.601, include persons who are:

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A. 62 years or older;
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B. Blind or disabled, as defined under 216(i)(1) or 1614 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 416(i)(1); Section 1382c),
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1. who certify that, because of this disability, she or he is unable to comply with the service provisions of this subpart, or
2. is a primary caretaker of such individual;
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C. Engaged in work activities (see Notice PIH 2003-17 (HA)). In order for an individual to be exempt from the CSSR requirement because he/she is “engaged in work activities,” the person must be participating in an activity that meets one of the following definitions of “work activity” contained in Section 407(d) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 607(d)):
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1. Unsubsidized employment;
2. Subsidized private-sector employment;
3. Subsidized public-sector employment;
4. Work experience (including work associated with the refurbishing of publicly assisted housing) if sufficient private sector employment is not available;
5. On-the-job-training;
6. Job-search and job-readiness assistance;
7. Community service programs;
8. Vocational educational training (not to exceed 12 months with respect to any individual);
9. Job-skills training directly related to employment;
10. Education directly related to employment in the case of a recipient who has not received a high school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalency;
11. Satisfactory attendance at secondary school or in a course of study leading to a certificate of general equivalency, in the case of a recipient who has not completed secondary school or received such a certificate; and,
12. The provision of childcare services to an individual who is participating in a community service program;

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D. Able to meet requirements under a State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 601 et seq.) or under any other welfare program of the State in which PHA is located including a State-administered Welfare-to-Work program; or,

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E. A member of a family receiving assistance, benefits, or services under a State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 601 et seq.), or under any other welfare program of the State in which the PHA is located, including a State-administered Welfare-to-Work program, and has not been found by the State or other administering entity to be in noncompliance with such a program.

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PHAs are encouraged to use 30 hours per week as the minimum number of hours for a work activity as described in Section 407(d) of the Social Security Act, and implementing regulations 45 CFR 261.31(1)(a)(1). PHAs can use reasonable guidelines in clarifying this statutory list of work activities in coordination with the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) agency, as appropriate (see Notice PIH 2004-17(HA)).

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PHAs must describe in its CSSR policy the process to determine which family members are exempt from the requirement, as well as the process for determining any changes to the exempt status of the family member. PHAs provide the family a copy of CSSR policy at initial application and secure certification of receipt as shown in Attachment A, (see 24 CFR 960.605(c)(2)).

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PHAs make the final determination whether to grant an exemption from the community service requirement. If a resident does not agree with the PHA’s determination, the resident may dispute the decision through the PHA’s Grievance Procedures (see 24 CFR Part 966 Subpart B, 24 CFR 960.607(b).

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PHAs include in the CSSR policy that an exemption to the requirement is verified annually by the PHA. At least 30 days before the annual reexamination and/or lease expiration, the PHA reviews the exempt or nonexempt status and compliance of family members (see 24 CFR 960.605(c)(3)).

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You should visit your Project Management Office if you have questions concerning who must comply and those who are exempt from the Community Service requirement. The Community Service requirement is federally mandated program and non-compliance can lead to eviction action being taken against those residents who are not fulfilling their Community Service obligations.

From Notice PIH-2009-48 (HA)

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Exempt Residents: The Admissions and Continuing Occupancy Policy (ACOP) presents how the PHA determines if an individual is exempt from the CSSR and the documentation needed to support the exemption. Exemptions for adult residents unable to participate, as codified at 24 CFR 960.601, include persons who are:

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A. 62 years or older;
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B. Blind or disabled, as defined under 216(i)(1) or 1614 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 416(i)(1); Section 1382c),
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1. who certify that, because of this disability, she or he is unable to comply with the service provisions of this subpart, or
2. is a primary caretaker of such individual;
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C. Engaged in work activities (see Notice PIH 2003-17 (HA)). In order for an individual to be exempt from the CSSR requirement because he/she is “engaged in work activities,” the person must be participating in an activity that meets one of the following definitions of “work activity” contained in Section 407(d) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 607(d)):
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1. Unsubsidized employment;
2. Subsidized private-sector employment;
3. Subsidized public-sector employment;
4. Work experience (including work associated with the refurbishing of publicly assisted housing) if sufficient private sector employment is not available;
5. On-the-job-training;
6. Job-search and job-readiness assistance;
7. Community service programs;
8. Vocational educational training (not to exceed 12 months with respect to any individual);
9. Job-skills training directly related to employment;
10. Education directly related to employment in the case of a recipient who has not received a high school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalency;
11. Satisfactory attendance at secondary school or in a course of study leading to a certificate of general equivalency, in the case of a recipient who has not completed secondary school or received such a certificate; and,
12. The provision of childcare services to an individual who is participating in a community service program;

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D. Able to meet requirements under a State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 601 et seq.) or under any other welfare program of the State in which PHA is located including a State-administered Welfare-to-Work program; or,

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E. A member of a family receiving assistance, benefits, or services under a State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 601 et seq.), or under any other welfare program of the State in which the PHA is located, including a State-administered Welfare-to-Work program, and has not been found by the State or other administering entity to be in noncompliance with such a program.

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PHAs are encouraged to use 30 hours per week as the minimum number of hours for a work activity as described in Section 407(d) of the Social Security Act, and implementing regulations 45 CFR 261.31(1)(a)(1). PHAs can use reasonable guidelines in clarifying this statutory list of work activities in coordination with the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) agency, as appropriate (see Notice PIH 2004-17(HA)).

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PHAs must describe in its CSSR policy the process to determine which family members are exempt from the requirement, as well as the process for determining any changes to the exempt status of the family member. PHAs provide the family a copy of CSSR policy at initial application and secure certification of receipt as shown in Attachment A, (see 24 CFR 960.605(c)(2)).

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PHAs make the final determination whether to grant an exemption from the community service requirement. If a resident does not agree with the PHA’s determination, the resident may dispute the decision through the PHA’s Grievance Procedures (see 24 CFR Part 966 Subpart B, 24 CFR 960.607(b).

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PHAs include in the CSSR policy that an exemption to the requirement is verified annually by the PHA. At least 30 days before the annual reexamination and/or lease expiration, the PHA reviews the exempt or nonexempt status and compliance of family members (see 24 CFR 960.605(c)(3)).

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You should visit your Project Management Office if you have questions concerning who must comply and those who are exempt from the Community Service requirement. The Community Service requirement is federally mandated program and non-compliance can lead to eviction action being taken against those residents who are not fulfilling their Community Service obligations.

You should call 911 and report the suspected illegal activity to the Police Department.

HPHA offers technical assistance in forming a "duly" elected and recognized resident association. For more information on forming a resident association, call 808-832-5900.

You can call 808-587-0599 with your concerns. Please have the specific details of your concerns or problems with your housing project. HPHA will make every attempt to resolve any issues you may have.

If your neighbor does not speak or understand little or any English, the HPHA provides free interpreter services at the Management Office, which is available by appointment by pointing to her primary language on the "Please point here if you need an interpreter in this language" poster posted in each Management Office. Once the Management Office knows of her language needs, HPHA will attempt to meet her language needs on understanding her lease or any other information she needs concerning her tenancy at the housing project.

The HPHA Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program will open the following waitlists:

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• June 7 at 8:00am – June 9 at 4:30pm
• Project-Based Voucher – Palolo Valley Homes (2, 3, 4-bedroom units)

On-line applications for the HCV Waitlist will be accepted from eligible applicants with the following preference:

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• Families with a non-elderly disabled member
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To qualify, applicant must:
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• Be or have a family member who is at least 18 but not yet 62, and that person must have a disability
• Applicants will be required to submit a recent SSDI Award letter, or a physician certification form, signed by a physician or other qualified professional familiar with the applicant’s disability.
• The Project-Based Palolo Waitlist will also require the family to meet the household size requirements for a two (2), three (3) or four (4) bedroom unit.

Pre-applications can only be submitted online. Devices such as mobile phones and tablets with Internet access may be used; however, not all operating systems support this pre-application. No pre-applications will be accepted at the Housing Authority’s office.

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1. Be prepared by having the names, dates of birth, and Social Security Numbers available for all persons who will be listed on your pre-application. You will need to know the monthly gross income (before taxes) for each source of income for all persons listed on your pre-application. You must list all sources of income individually.
2. Complete the pre-application on-line at hpha.myhousing.com.
3. Submit a completed pre-application between 8:00 a.m on June 7, 2021 and 4:30 p.m. on June 9, 2021 for the Project-Based Palolo 2, 3, and 4-bedroom waitlist. Pre-applications submitted after this period will be automatically rejected by the system and not accepted to the wait list. Applications not fully completed (i.e., in the middle of submission) prior to the closing will be rejected.
4. Print your receipt or write down your Pre-Application Confirmation Number. A confirmation receipt is issued immediately after the pre-application is submitted. Print and save this confirmation.
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No applications will be accepted that do not meet the published application requirements.
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No duplicate applications will be accepted. Any duplicate applications with same or similar household members will have both applications denied. Prior to adding any households to the waiting list the HPHA will conduct extensive crosschecks to remove duplicate applications. Submitting a duplicate application will not improve your chances of being issued a voucher.

No. HPHA has adopted a lottery/random selection policy. Following the closing of the waitlist, HPHA will randomly select 1,000 applicants to be placed on the HCV waitlist, and 200 applicants to be placed on the Palolo Valley Homes Project-Based 4-bedroom waitlist. The order of all applicants selected to be on the wait list will be by random selection. Issuance will continue until the waitlist has expired, or the HPHA has filled all available vouchers.

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The public is reminded that there is no charge to apply. Applicants are encouraged to immediately report any individual or organization who attempts to charge a fee for completion of the application process. Applicants should not respond to any fraudulent requests for an application fee.

The HPHA HCV program only covers the island of O‘ahu. However, each county government does administer their own Section 8 HCV program. In addition to HPHA, the City and County of Honolulu offers Section 8 HCV assistance.

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You can go to hawaii.gov to obtain information on each counties' Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.

There is only one Housing Choice Voucher Program that HPHA administers. That program encompasses all types of families to include those families who may have a disabled family member.

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For more information on fair housing issues for the disabled, see "Fair Housing Issues" in the Fair Housing section of FAQ.

If you have a current, valid Housing Choice Voucher, you may use the voucher in any jurisdiction that accepts your voucher. This is called "portable." There are also "project-based" vouchers, which are not "portable" because they remain with the housing project. You must contact your current Section 8 voucher administrator to begin the process of transferring your Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher to Hawai‘i.

You need to check to be sure that the area you intend to move to has a Housing Choice Voucher Program. If the area does, you must contact the HPHA Application Office or county office to inform them of your pending move. The office personnel will provide you with instructions on how to transfer your voucher and assistance in the preparation of the required paperwork.

The proposal is available here.

Listings of Housing Choice Voucher landlords is provided to only valid local voucher holders.

As a tenant, your lease is with your landlord or an owner of the property. HPHA is not a party to your lease. You and your landlord should try and work out any problems you may have. You are covered under the Residential Landlord - Tenant Code. For other Residential Landlord - Tenant Code related information, you can call 808-586-2634.

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You can go to hawaii.gov/dcca for more detail information on the code.

You should call the HCV Office at 808-832-6040 or email hphas8office@hawaii.gov. Your ad will be posted in the Application Office for the residents viewing.

Yes. Your property will be inspected by a HPHA housing inspector to ensure that your home meets HUD's Housing Quality Standards.

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For more detail information on the standards, you can click here for more detailed information.

As a landlord or an owner of the property, the lease you have with your tenant is between you and your tenant. HPHA is not a party to your lease. However, you may contact the HCV staff for assistance at 808-832-6040 or email hphas8office@hawaii.gov.

Yes. For other residential tenant - landlord code related information, you can call 808-586-2634 or email hphas8office@hawaii.gov.

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Tenant Code of the Hawai‘i Revised Statutes information

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program information

If you were denied for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program assistance, you may submit a written request for an "informal review within 15 days from the date of HPHA's notification of denial of assistance." If you were denied for the public housing program, you may request an "informal hearing within 14 working days from the date of notification of ineligibility."

You can call the HPHA's Fair Housing Officer at 808-832-4690 or TDD 808-832-6083 or hpha@hawaii.gov.

Yes, a person with a disability is covered under the Fair Housing laws. A single parent with children (under the age of 18) would also be covered under the Fair Housing laws. The federal and State laws protect individuals or families on the basis of race, color, sex, ancestry/national origin, disability, familial status (a family with children under the age of 18), religion, age, marital status HIV infections or sexual orientation and gender identity.

You will NOT be placed on a waiting list for an accessible unit or offered one unless you specifically apply for an accessible housing unit that is appropriate for you. You must indicate on the application form the type of unit you are seeking. If an accessible unit is NOT requested on your form, one will NOT be offered to you nor will you be forced to accept an accessible unit.

You must visit your Project Management Office and inform the HPHA personnel that you would like to request for a reasonable modification to your unit because of your disability. A form will be given to you to complete and return to the Management Office. HPHA will consider all requests for reasonable modification and will pay for the modification unless it is an undue financial or administrative burden.

You may ask your landlord for a reasonable accommodation to install an alert light when the door bell or phone rings. If your husband's disability and the need for the alert light is confirmed by a third party (i.e., your doctor), your landlord is obligated to allow you to install the alert light, but you must pay for the light and its installation.

You should contact the HPHA's Fair Housing Officer at 808-832-4690 or TDD 808-832-6083 or hpha@hawaii.gov.

No written complaint is needed. You can contact the HPHA's Fair Housing Officer at 808-832-4690 or TDD 808-832-6083 or hpha@hawaii.gov.

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It is HPHA's policy not to unlawfully discriminate in housing due to an individual's protected basis of race, color, sex, ancestry/national origin, disability, familial status (a family with children under the age of 18), religion, age, marital status or HIV infections, as stated in Hawai‘i Revised Statutes (HRS), Chapters 368 and 515, as administered by the Hawai‘i Civil Rights Commission; and the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended by the Fair Housing Act of 1988, and as administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
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If you believe that you have been, presently are or may be a victim of housing discrimination, you should call the Hawaii State Civil Rights Commission at:
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• O‘ahu: 808-586-8636 or TDD 808-586-8692
• Hawai‘i: 808-974-4000 Ext. 68636 or TDD Ext. 68692
• Kaua‘i: 808-274-3141 Ext 68636 or TDD Ext. 68692
• Maui: 808-984-2400 Ext 68636 or TDD Ext. 68692
• Moloka‘i and Lana‘i: 1-800-468-4644 Ext 68636 or TDD Ext. 68692
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For more information on HPHA's Fair Housing Rights & Equal Opportunity Statement, go click here.