What's Being Discussed

The Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) Board will consider major updates to the rules governing federally assisted public housing in Hawaii. Key proposed changes include:

• Updated definitions for terms like "family," "household," "head of household," and "homelessness" to align with federal standards and current HPHA policy
• New work requirement of 15 hours per week for non-elderly, non-disabled adult household members, with a 6-month grace period for new residents and a hardship exemption process
• Stricter eligibility rules for applicants, including disqualification based on certain criminal history within the past three years and unauthorized use of public housing
• Updated rules for live-in aides, requiring written approval, full-time residency, and professional certification of their ability to provide care
• Changes to waiting list preferences, including revised homelessness criteria and removal of some existing priority categories
• Expanded grounds for eviction, including felony convictions during tenancy, drug or alcohol-related conduct, allowing trespassed individuals onto the property, and providing false information at hearings
• A new minimum rent of $100 for tenants
• Allowing reexaminations every two years instead of annually

Decisions Expected

The Board is expected to vote on adopting these rule changes to the Hawaii Administrative Rules. If approved, these changes would become official policy governing public housing operations statewide.

Who Should Pay Attention

• Current public housing residents, especially working-age adults affected by the new work requirement
• People on public housing waiting lists or planning to apply
• Residents with live-in aides or family members who need caregiving support
• Social service providers and nonprofits who work with homeless individuals seeking housing