Haw. Rev. Stat. § 356D § 356D-157
State rent supplement program for kupuna.
Operative Text
[Section repealed June 30, 2028. L 2025, c 282, §2.] (a) There is established the state rent supplement program for kupuna to be administered by the authority to provide state rent supplement assistance and other services to qualified kupuna under this section. (b) The authority shall: (1) Provide state rent supplement assistance to qualified kupuna; (2) Provide housing counseling to assist qualified kupuna in obtaining or retaining permanent housing; and (3) Coordinate with mental health services providers and other supportive services providers to assist qualified kupuna. (c) The authority may enter into memoranda of agreement with the counties or specialized nonprofit organizations as necessary to implement this section. (d) The authority, without regard to chapter 91, shall establish rules and any additional qualification standards specifically for recipients of the state rent supplement program for kupuna. (e) The authority shall submit to the legislature an annual report of its findings and recommendations regarding the state rent supplement program for kupuna, including any proposed legislation, no later than thirty days prior to the convening of each regular session. (f) As used in this section, "qualified kupuna" means a person who: (1) Is sixty-two years of age or older; (2) Is homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless; and (3) Otherwise meets the requirements for a qualified tenant under section 356D-153. [L 2023, c 98, §§3, 6]
Hawaii Revised Statutes § 356D-157 establishes a state rent supplement program specifically for kupuna — Hawaiian elders aged 62 or older who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. The Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (the authority) administers the program, providing rent assistance, housing counseling, and coordination with mental health and supportive services. The program is set to be repealed on June 30, 2028, and the authority is required to report annually to the legislature on the program's findings and recommendations.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 356D-157, landlords who house or are considering housing qualified kupuna may encounter tenants receiving state rent supplement assistance administered by the authority. Operators who work with housing counseling programs or nonprofit partners coordinating under this section generally maintain documentation of any memoranda of agreement or assistance arrangements. Staying informed about the authority's qualification standards — which can be set without the standard rulemaking process under chapter 91 — helps property managers understand the eligibility framework for prospective or current kupuna tenants.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 356D-157 creates a rent supplement program for kupuna — individuals 62 or older who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness and who meet the qualified tenant requirements of § 356D-153. Eligible individuals may be able to access rent assistance, housing counseling, and referrals to mental health and supportive services through the authority administering this program. Those who believe they may qualify can reach out to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation or a local tenant-rights organization to learn about available assistance and the current qualification standards.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 23, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
Rules and statutes cited by this regulation
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation