How to Apply

Applying for Public Housing / Housing Choice Voucher Assistance

HPHA’s online pre-application allows you to apply for open waiting lists for public housing. Pre-applications can only be submitted online. Devices such as mobile phones and tablets with Internet access can be used; however, not all operating systems support this pre-application. No pre-applications will be accepted at the HPHA's office.

Waiting Lists for Federal Public Housing are currently closed.

HPHA is not accepting applications at this time. Please check the News & Notices page for updates.

Apply for public housing assistance

Complete our online pre-application to apply for housing with open waiting lists.
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Pre-applications should be submitted online and can not be submitted in person at the HPHA’s office. Please submit only one pre-application. Duplicate applications with the same or similar household members will both be denied. HPHA conducts extensive crosschecks to remove duplicates.
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Applying for housing assistance is free. Any individual or organization who attempts to charge an application fee should be reported immediately.

How to apply

For the best experience, we recommend using a laptop or computer to complete the online pre-application. Supported browsers include [recommended browsers].

Have the following info available for each person who will be listed in the pre-application:
a. Full name
b. Date of birth
c. Social security number
d. Gross monthly income (before taxes), broken down by individual sources of income
Complete the pre-application at hpha.myhousing.com, or apply here.
Print the confirmation receipt or write down the confirmation number once the pre-application has been submitted.

Applicants will receive a notice regarding their placement by email or mail within approximately 10 days after the waiting list closes.
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Please do not call the HPHA office before receiving this notice as we can not give information regarding applicant placement over the phone.

Note:

Please note that 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.

Reasonable Accomodations

Need Help Applying?

Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation to apply may request one by contacting the HPHA for assistance at (808) 832-5961 or by emailing: hpha@hawaii.gov.
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The Application Portal has been translated into 12 different languages, which are accessible from the first page of the portal site. Interpreters have been scheduled to assist with Limited English Proficiency applicants needing assistance via Zoom.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I submit an application?

Pre-applications should 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. Please feel free to contact us should you need assistance with the online applications.

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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 the sources of income individually.
Complete the pre-application online at hpha.myhousing.com by clicking on “Start Here”.
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 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 selected.

Do I have to personally go to one of your offices to apply for housing or do you accept applications by mail?

At this time, the waiting lists for the Hawaii 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, Kauai, 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.

What documentation is needed to verify my preference?

For a household being Involuntarily Displaced – An applicant will need to provide documentation, such as letter from the property owner or landlord to the applicant informing them that they need to move out their unit by a certain date, because the owner is selling, renovating, or needing unit back for personal use. Letter should include full name, mailing address and contact number of owner/mgt company.

For a household claiming a preference as a Victim of Domestic Violence – An applicant will need to provide documentation, such as a letter from a domestic violence shelter or program or clearinghouse stating that applicant is participating in their program.

For a household claiming a Homeless preference – An applicant will need to documentation of homeless status, such as a letter from state or federal funded homeless shelter or program stating that applicant participating in their program and are in compliance with their social service plan.

When do I provide the documentation to verify my preference?

Applicants should be prepared to provide documentation of eligibility for the preference once they are notified that they have been selected in the lottery, added to the waiting list, and their application is being reviewed for placement into housing. Applicants do not need the preference letter at the time of the waitlist opening.

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Can I apply for more than one housing program?

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

I applied for federal public housing and I want to know when I will get housing. Who do I contact?

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.

I applied for federal public housing and am disabled. I did not apply for an accessible unit because I don't want to cause any inconveniences or problems for my family. Will I be forced to take an accessible unit when one comes available?

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.

I applied for state public housing and I want to know when I will get housing. Who do I contact?

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.

Will there be any applicable preferences? What are the qualifications?

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.

Does HPHA's Section 8 HCV program cover all the islands?

The HPHA Section 8 HCV program only covers the island of Oahu. 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.

Email:

hpha@hawaii.gov

Phone:

(808) 204-9042