Are you looking for an affordable housing unit in Hawaii? If so, you're not alone. With the growing demand for housing in the state and its scarce supply, many Hawaii residents are in need of affordable housing. Fortunately, there are a number of programs and initiatives available to help you find an affordable housing unit in your area. Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) are two of the most popular programs for finding affordable housing.
To apply for either of these programs, you'll need to visit your local Public Housing Agency (PHA). Some PHAs have long waiting lists, so it's a good idea to apply to more than one PHA. Affordable housing is also known as low-income housing, reserved housing, and worker housing. These homes are priced below market price and are available only to eligible Hawaii residents.
They also have occupancy and sales restrictions. In some cases, they may allow the use of gift letters and joint signatures to help buyers meet requirements. The City of Honolulu releases its Income and Maximum Rent Guidelines for Affordable Housing each year, based on figures released by the U. S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The City also offers financial benefits such as fee waivers and grants, and can relax certain development rules such as height and surface limits to encourage developers to voluntarily build affordable housing. The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) regulates affordable housing units built as part of market-driven developments (as opposed to government-funded and planned housing). The DPP has established flexible development rules and financial incentives for affordable rental housing (ARH) projects, as long as a minimum of 80% of the units are rented to people who earn no more than 100% of the Honolulu Area Median Income (AMI) for a minimum of 15 years.
In the case of affordable housing offered for sale at the Kapiolani Residence, for example, the buyer's total household income cannot exceed 120% of the AMI. The Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) is authorized under Chapter 201H of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) to develop or assist in the development of certain housing projects. The HHFDC works with the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to create a thriving and inclusive community for all residents. The DPP Multifamily Rental Housing Program (the “Program”) will issue tax-exempt private activity bonds (PAB) to facilitate the increase and preservation of the supply of affordable rental housing, maintain a quality living environment, leverage private sector funds to the fullest extent possible, and promote the city's affordable housing goals. There are currently two state agencies that oversee affordable housing offered for sale: the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) and the Hawaii Community Development Association (HCDA). Download the application forms for certification of newly built or rehabilitated housing projects or for certification of rents received in affordable rental housing projects online on their respective websites. The DPP can approve and certify your exemption from the GET program to any qualified person or company participating in a newly built affordable housing project or that has been moderately or substantially rehabilitated. This program, known as the city's affordable housing requirement, requires affordable housing in residential complexes of 10 or more units for sale, with a few exceptions. If you're looking for an affordable housing unit in Hawaii, there are a number of programs available that can help you find one. Visit your local Public Housing Agency or contact one of the state agencies that oversee affordable housing offered for sale to learn more about how you can apply.
