Haw. Rev. Stat. § 356D § 356D-61
Definitions.
Operative Text
As used in this subpart: "Party" means each person or agency named or admitted as a party or properly seeking and entitled as the right to be admitted as a party in any court or agency proceeding. "State low-income housing project" means any state low-income public housing project and program or elder or elderly housing owned, managed, administered, or operated by the authority in accordance with sections 356D-44 and 356D-71. "Tenant" means any person occupying a dwelling accommodation or living quarters in any state low-income housing project, under or by virtue of any tenancy, lease, or rental agreement under or from the authority. [L 2018, c 204, pt of §1]
Hawaii Revised Statutes § 356D-61 establishes the working definitions for key terms used throughout this subpart of Chapter 356D, which governs state low-income housing. The provision clarifies who qualifies as a "party" in legal or agency proceedings, what constitutes a "state low-income housing project" (including elder and elderly housing administered by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation or its authority), and who is considered a "tenant" within that context. These definitions set the interpretive boundaries for all other rules and requirements found in this subpart.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 356D-61, the authority that owns, manages, administers, or operates a state low-income housing project—including elder and elderly housing covered by §§ 356D-44 and 356D-71—is the relevant operator for purposes of this subpart. Operators working within this framework generally ensure that occupancy arrangements are documented through tenancy agreements, leases, or rental agreements that align with the authority's requirements, since those documents determine who qualifies as a "tenant" under the statute. Understanding these definitions helps operators correctly apply the rules that flow from this subpart to their residents and proceedings.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 356D-61 defines a "tenant" as any person occupying a dwelling in a state low-income housing project under a tenancy, lease, or rental agreement with the authority, which means this definition determines whether the broader protections and obligations of this subpart apply to a given occupant. Residents of state low-income housing projects—including elder and elderly housing—who believe they qualify under this definition may have standing as a "party" in relevant court or agency proceedings. Tenants seeking to understand how these definitions affect their rights can consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with Hawaii's Chapter 356D framework.
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.
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