Getting rental assistance in Hawaii can be confusing when different organizations handle different housing needs. You may be searching for a more affordable apartment, trying to apply for a housing voucher, or struggling to pay rent at your current home.
Although these situations all involve rental assistance, they do not have the same application process or point of contact.
At Hawaii Affordable Properties, Inc. (HAPI), we manage affordable residential communities under several housing programs. We understand why renters may be unsure whether to contact a property management office, a government housing agency, or a community assistance organization.
The best starting point is to identify the help you need, then contact the organization responsible for providing it.
Start by Identifying the Type of Rental Assistance You Need
Rental assistance can mean access to income-restricted housing, an ongoing government rental subsidy, or temporary financial help. Knowing which applies to your situation can save you from contacting organizations that cannot handle your request.
Use this guide to find a starting point.
| Your housing situation | Where to start |
|---|---|
| You need a more affordable apartment | Explore our Oahu, Hawaii Island, or Maui residential properties and contact the relevant property office. |
| You want to apply for a Section 8 voucher | Contact the administering agency, such as the Honolulu Department of Community Services or the Hawaii County Office of Housing and Community Development, depending on the program and location. |
| You are interested in public housing | Visit the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) for state-administered public housing information. |
| You are behind on rent | Contact your property manager and explore available resources through Aloha United Way 211. |
| You need help understanding a housing notice | Contact the organization that issued it or seek appropriate legal assistance through the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii. |
These are starting points, not a guarantee of eligibility or assistance. The correct agency may vary depending on your location and the program involved.
If you are unsure which category fits your circumstances, begin by explaining your immediate housing problem rather than asking generally for rental assistance.
For example, saying you need an income-restricted apartment is more specific than saying you need Section 8. Likewise, explaining that you are behind on rent helps a referral organization understand that you may need immediate financial support rather than a new housing application.
Finding Affordable Apartments Through Property Management Companies
If you need a more affordable place to live, start by identifying rental communities that may fit your household.
Some affordable apartments operate under programs that establish income restrictions and regulated rents. These arrangements are different from portable housing vouchers, which are administered through public housing agencies.
At HAPI, we manage residential communities associated with several housing programs, including the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, HUD rental assistance programs, USDA Rural Development housing, and public housing.
Because the requirements differ, you should not assume that qualifying for one community means you qualify for another.
What to Ask Before Applying
When contacting an affordable housing property office, we recommend focusing on the details that determine your next step:
- Application status: Is the community currently accepting applications or maintaining a waiting list?
- Housing program: Which program applies to the property, and what eligibility requirements should you review?
- Household requirements: Are there income, occupancy, age, or other program-specific restrictions?
- Application instructions: Where can you obtain the correct forms, and how should they be submitted?
- Follow-up process: How will applicants receive updates or learn about future opportunities?
These questions help you understand whether a property is worth pursuing before investing time in its application process.
Our residential property listings provide a starting point for exploring communities in different locations. However, a property appearing on our website does not confirm that apartments are currently available.
For the most accurate property-specific information, contact the relevant management office.
Where to Apply for Government Housing Assistance
Government housing assistance includes different programs with separate application procedures.
Two commonly researched options are Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing. Both can support access to affordable housing, but they operate differently.
Housing Choice Vouchers
The Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) helps eligible households afford qualifying rental housing through assistance administered by public housing agencies.
If you want to apply, identify the agency responsible for the voucher program serving your area. Ask whether its waiting list is accepting applications, where official announcements are published, and how to obtain current instructions.
We manage properties associated with different affordable housing programs, including certain Section 8 arrangements. However, we do not issue portable Housing Choice Vouchers or control government voucher waiting lists.
If you already have a voucher and are considering a community we manage, contact the property office to ask about its leasing requirements.
Public Housing
Public housing provides rental opportunities through government housing programs.
The Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) is an important source for official information about state-administered public housing. You can review its application procedures and waiting-list information to understand where to begin.
Although we manage certain public housing communities, our property management responsibilities are distinct from the government’s application and placement decisions.
If your question concerns a government waiting list or placement decision, contact the responsible housing agency.
If it concerns management at a particular HAPI-managed community, the property’s management office may be the appropriate contact.
The important distinction is who controls the process. A property management company can provide information about its communities, but it cannot replace the agency administering a government housing benefit.
Finding Help When You Are Struggling to Pay Rent
If you already have an apartment but cannot afford an upcoming payment, your situation requires a different approach.
You may need temporary financial assistance rather than a long-term affordable housing application.
We recommend starting with community organizations that can help identify available resources.
Aloha United Way 211 connects Hawaii residents with information and referrals for community services. When contacting a referral organization, be prepared to explain your circumstances.
Useful details include your island or county, the type of assistance needed, and whether you have received a payment notice or are facing an immediate deadline.
Ask whether the organization can identify programs currently accepting requests and whether you need to contact another provider directly.
Funding availability and eligibility vary. A referral does not guarantee that financial assistance will be provided.
Communicating With Your Property Manager
If you are having difficulty paying rent, contact your property manager rather than waiting for the situation to become more complicated.
Explain your concern and ask about the appropriate process for discussing payment-related matters.
Do not assume that a payment arrangement, waiver, or extension is automatically available. Any applicable options depend on the property’s policies and circumstances.
If you have received an eviction notice or need help understanding your legal rights, seek qualified legal guidance promptly.
The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii is one resource for information about available civil legal assistance.
For immediate rent payment difficulties, prioritize organizations that address your current housing situation, rather than relying on an affordable apartment application to resolve an urgent financial problem.
How We Can Help With HAPI-Managed Properties
At HAPI, our role is to manage properties for government and private property owners, including affordable residential communities operating under different housing programs.
For prospective renters, we can be an appropriate point of contact when the question concerns a specific community we manage.
You may need to know which housing program applies, where to obtain application information, or which office handles inquiries about the property.
Our property management teams also serve as contacts for residents regarding matters involving their managed communities.
However, we are not a general government rental assistance agency, and we do not administer every housing benefit available in Hawaii.
We cannot replace the housing authority responsible for government voucher applications or the community organizations that determine whether emergency assistance is available.
If you are interested in a HAPI-managed property, begin with our residential listings and identify the community you want to contact.
You can also learn more about our company and services through our About Us page.
Resources for Finding the Right Assistance
When you are unsure where to begin, an organized resource directory can help narrow your search.
Our Resource Compass is designed to help visitors explore community resources relevant to their needs.
Use it as a starting point for identifying organizations to contact. Because assistance programs and funding availability can change, confirm current information directly with each provider.
If you are exploring income-restricted housing, our AMI Eligibility Checker may also support your preliminary research.
However, an online planning tool cannot determine final eligibility for a particular housing program. The responsible property or housing agency must confirm the requirements that apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for more than one type of rental assistance in Hawaii?
You may be able to pursue different housing opportunities or assistance programs, but each has its own eligibility and application requirements. Some benefits may affect participation in other programs. We recommend checking directly with the responsible agencies before assuming that applications or benefits can be combined.
Who should I contact if I don’t know which housing program applies to me?
Start with the type of help you need. For a government housing benefit, contact the appropriate housing agency. For a particular affordable rental community, contact its property office. If you are unsure which community resource addresses your situation, Aloha United Way 211 may help you identify a relevant organization.
Can I apply for an affordable apartment while waiting for Section 8?
You can explore affordable rental communities while waiting for a voucher, but each property has its own requirements. Contact the property office to ask about applications and eligibility. If you later receive a voucher, consult your administering agency about how that assistance may affect your housing options.
What should I ask when contacting an affordable housing property office?
We recommend asking whether applications are being accepted, which housing program applies, what household requirements exist, and how the application process works. If you are interested in one of our communities, contact the relevant property office for information specific to that location.
What if the rental assistance organization I contact cannot help me?
Ask whether the organization can refer you to another provider or explain which agency handles your request. If funding is unavailable, ask where current program announcements are published. You can also use community referral services to identify other potential resources. Keep in mind that referrals and inquiries do not guarantee assistance.
Find the Right Housing Contact and Take the Next Step
Getting rental assistance in Hawaii starts with understanding your situation and contacting the organization responsible for the help you need.
If you want a government voucher or public housing assistance, begin with the appropriate housing agency. If you are struggling to pay rent, explore community assistance resources and communicate with your property manager.
If your goal is to find an affordable apartment, we invite you to explore our residential communities.
Browse our HAPI-managed properties on Oahu, Hawaii Island, and Maui, or visit our Contact Us page to inquire about a specific community.
HAPI: Locally Owned and Trusted Since 1992.
