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For Hawaii residents facing housing instability, securing rental assistance is a critical step toward stability. The landscape of available support has shifted significantly since the height of the pandemic.
Many large-scale emergency programs, established with federal funds from the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program, have concluded their operations. For instance, the Maui County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (MERA), which provided over $37 million in aid, is no longer accepting applications. Similarly, earlier versions of the Hawai'i County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) have also ended.
From Emergency Relief to Ongoing Support
This transition from broad, temporary emergency relief to a more traditional support network can be challenging to navigate. However, a robust system of ongoing assistance remains available across the islands.
This system is composed of long-term federal subsidies, county-level initiatives, and vital services provided by non-profit organizations. The purpose of this resource is to provide a clear, centralized, and current overview of the active programs, their eligibility requirements, and the specific steps needed to apply for help in each of Hawaii's counties.
The primary long-term rental assistance program offered by the federal government is the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, widely known as Section 8. This program is designed to help very low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities afford safe and sanitary housing in the private market. It is administered locally by Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) in each county.
How the Voucher Program Works
Unlike emergency grants that provide a one-time payment, the HCV program provides a durable monthly subsidy. Participants typically pay about 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities. The voucher covers the remaining portion of the rent, paid directly to the landlord.
Due to high demand, PHAs use waiting lists to manage applications. The status of these lists varies by county and can open or close depending on the availability of funding and vouchers.
County-by-County Application Status and Contacts
Access to the Section 8 program is entirely dependent on the status of the waiting list in your specific county. It is crucial to direct your application and inquiries to the correct local authority.
Honolulu County (O'ahu)
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waitlist for the City and County of Honolulu is currently closed and is not accepting new applications.
Hawai'i County
The Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) for the County of Hawaiʻi has announced that its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Section 8 Program Waiting List is open and accepting new applications until further notice.
Maui County
The Department of Housing administers the Section 8 program for Maui County. Residents should contact the department directly to inquire about the current status of the waiting list.
Kaua'i County
The Kauaʻi County Housing Agency has announced that its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program waiting list is open and will remain so until further notice. The agency cautions that applying is free and warns against third-party services that charge a fee.
For residents who need immediate assistance or live where the Section 8 waitlist is closed, a network of non-profit organizations and county programs provides a critical lifeline. These programs often focus on preventing homelessness by helping with security deposits, past-due rent, and utility payments.
O'ahu (Honolulu County) Resources
With the Section 8 waitlist closed, O'ahu residents can rely on the following non-profit and city-funded programs for support.
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) Housing Stability Program
This program helps Oʻahu renters maintain or secure stable housing.
Catholic Charities Hawai'i Statewide Rent Supplement Program
This program offers a "shallow subsidy" of up to $500 per month for future rent payments to eligible low-income families across the state.
Work Hawaiʻi Housing Assistance Programs
Operated by the City & County of Honolulu, this division offers several housing support initiatives. The Rent-to-Work Program provides a short-term rental subsidy for 12 to 24 months.
Hawai'i County Resources
Residents of Hawai'i Island have access to both an active Section 8 waitlist and specific emergency assistance programs.
Hawai'i County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
This program launched on May 1, 2024, but it is important to note that it will no longer accept new applications after August 29, 2025.
HOPE Services Hawai'i
This organization is a primary resource for residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness. They offer homeless prevention and rapid rehousing assistance.
Catholic Charities Hawai'i (Hawai'i Island)
The Community Assistance Program on Hawai'i Island provides limited financial assistance for households facing temporary hardship related to urgent housing needs.
Maui County Resources
The housing situation in Maui County is uniquely challenging, with many resources focused on wildfire recovery. Several long-standing organizations continue to provide rental assistance to the broader community.
Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) Rental Assistance Program (RAP)
MEO's program is a homelessness prevention initiative aimed at helping individuals and families get into and sustain permanent housing.
Ka Hale A Ke Ola (KHAKO) Rental Assistance Program (RAP)
KHAKO provides rental assistance to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) Host Housing Support Program
This program is specifically for households providing housing to individuals and families displaced by the Maui wildfires. It offers a monthly stipend to the host family to help offset costs.
Kaua'i County Resources
In addition to an open Section 8 waitlist, Kaua'i residents can turn to established community organizations for rental and housing assistance.
Kaua'i Economic Opportunity, Inc. (KEO)
KEO provides a range of services to qualified families and individuals.
Catholic Charities Hawai'i (Kaua'i)
The Kaua'i office offers housing-related services designed to help residents secure or retain permanent housing.
Statewide Program for Native Hawaiian Elders
A specific, high-impact program is available for Native Hawaiian elders across the state who meet certain criteria.
DHHL Kūpuna Rental Subsidy Program
This pilot program is a partnership between the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA). It provides a significant rental subsidy to eligible kūpuna (age 62 or older) who are on the DHHL waitlist.
Qualifying for housing assistance almost always depends on your household's gross annual income and your ability to provide specific documentation. Understanding these requirements beforehand can significantly streamline the application process.
Understanding Income Limits (Area Median Income - AMI)
The most common metric for income eligibility is the Area Median Income (AMI). This figure, calculated annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), represents the midpoint of household incomes in a specific county.
Housing assistance programs are typically reserved for households earning a percentage of this median income. The most common thresholds are:
Essential Table: Hawaii Rental Assistance Income Limits by County
The following table consolidates the most recent income limit data published by HUD and state/county agencies for Hawaii. Find your household size in the first column, then look across to your county and the relevant income threshold to see the maximum allowable gross annual income.
Note: These figures are subject to change annually. This table reflects the most recently published data for general planning purposes.
| Household Size | Honolulu County (O'ahu) | Hawai'i County | Maui County | Kaua'i County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $77,950 | $48,750 | $29,250 | $62,100 |
| 2 | $89,100 | $55,700 | $33,400 | $70,950 |
| 3 | $100,250 | $62,650 | $37,600 | $79,800 |
| 4 | $111,350 | $69,600 | $41,750 | $88,650 |
| 5 | $120,300 | $75,200 | $45,100 | $95,750 |
| 6 | $129,200 | $80,750 | $48,450 | $102,850 |
| 7 | $138,100 | $86,350 | $51,800 | $109,950 |
| 8 | $147,000 | $91,900 | $55,150 | $117,050 |
Common Documents Required for Application
To ensure a smooth application, it is highly advisable to gather the following documents for all household members before contacting an agency.
True housing stability often requires more than just financial aid. Many organizations in Hawaii provide supportive services to address the root causes of financial hardship and prevent future crises.
Landlord-Tenant Mediation and Legal Aid
When communication with a landlord breaks down, mediation and legal services can be invaluable. These services help tenants understand their rights and negotiate workable solutions to avoid losing their housing.
Free Financial Counseling and Budgeting Support
Many housing programs are coupled with services aimed at building long-term financial health. These services can help households create a budget, manage debt, improve credit, and build savings.
For example, the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program for Section 8 participants includes financial coaching and a savings account incentive. The Financial Empowerment Center in Hawai'i County also offers free, one-on-one professional financial counseling to residents.
Aloha United Way 211: Your Primary Contact for All Assistance
Navigating the network of social services can be overwhelming. Aloha United Way's 211 service is Hawaii's designated statewide information and referral helpline. It is a free, confidential service that connects people with thousands of local resources.
If you are unsure where to start, contacting 211 is the most effective first step. Their trained specialists can assess your situation and direct you to the most appropriate and available resources in your area.
Contact the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii immediately. While a rent relief program provides financial aid, only legal assistance can address an active eviction summons. Seeking legal counsel ensures you understand your tenant rights and available defenses while you simultaneously apply for financial assistance.
Yes. U.S. VETS offers homeless prevention services, including temporary financial assistance, for veterans facing housing instability. Veterans should also inquire about the federal Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, which provides grants and support to prevent homelessness.
Yes. Besides housing programs that also cover utilities, the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) specifically helps eligible low-income households with their energy costs. Contact your county's designated LIHEAP administrator or human services office to apply for this specific utility aid.
Some non-profit agencies and rapid re-housing services offer security deposit assistance, though this is separate from emergency rental relief for arrears. These programs help households secure new, stable housing. Contact Aloha United Way 211 to find agencies that specialize in deposit assistance.
Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) is a long-term federal subsidy where you pay approximately 30% of your income toward rent. Most other Hawaii rent relief programs, usually run by non-profits, are short-term emergency grants designed to prevent an immediate eviction by paying past-due rent.
Yes. Maui residents impacted by the wildfires have access to dedicated resources through FEMA, the Maui Strong Fund, and other specialized grants. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) also manages specific financial aid and housing programs for survivors separate from their standard stability programs.
An eligible hardship typically includes a significant reduction in household income, a job loss, or a major, unexpected medical expense. Applicants must provide documentation proving this financial event directly caused their inability to pay rent and that they can maintain payments after receiving the one-time aid.
This depends on the program. Long-term subsidies like Section 8 are designed for extremely low-income households. However, many short-term emergency grants require proof that the household will be financially stable after receiving assistance, meaning they often require some source of future income.
Approval times vary significantly based on the agency's funding level and application volume. Unlike the former statewide programs, non-profit aid often involves a pre-screening, a full application, and case management. This process can take several weeks, so it is vital to apply before an eviction is imminent.
Currently, the State of Hawaii primarily allocates federal funds to the individual counties and designated non-profits (like Catholic Charities or CNHA) to administer assistance. Most direct applications for a Hawaii rent relief program must be submitted through these county-level or partner agencies, not a single state portal.
Lost your job? Unemployment benefits can provide a financial lifeline while you search for your next opportunity. Learn how to navigate the system and secure the support you deserve during this challenging time.
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