Tenant Resources
The Tenant Resources page provides important information and tools to help participants of Housing Voucher programs successfully maintain their housing assistance. Here, you will find guidance on program requirements, including reporting income and household changes, understanding your responsibilities as a tenant, and caring for your rental unit. You can also explore additional programs designed to support your long-term stability and goals, such as financial independence and homeownership.
Income-Based Housing Assistance
Section 8 programs are income-based housing assistance therefore, households are required to report the following in writing within 30 days:
- Income changes (increase or decrease for the household).
- Household composition changes (a request for someone to move in or out) and must include landlord permission.
Reporting Income or Household Changes
All program participants are required to report all household and income changes, in writing, within 30 calendar days of the change. There are many ways to report income or household changes to our office. You may submit by one of the following ways:
- Email a written statement to sec8info@hawaiicounty.gov. Please include your first and last name in the subject line.
- Fax a written statement of the change to our Hilo or Kona offices
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Mail a written statement of the change to our Hilo or Kona offices
- Submit a written statement of the change in-person during regular business hours (7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., excluding weekends and holidays) to our Hilo or Kona offices:
| East Hawaiʻi Office
1990 Kinoʻole Street, Suite 102 |
West Hawaiʻi Office |
Additional information and documents may be requested by contacting your Housing Specialist/Housing Caseworker. Each Section 8 Tenant is assigned to a specific Caseworker in our office.
Tenant's Portion of Rent
Households are required to pay your portion of rent at the beginning of every month to remain eligible for housing assistance. Additionally, households must keep up with utility bills to remain eligible for housing assistance.
It is highly recommended the household creates a monthly budget to prioritize paying your portion of rent and utilities if utilities are not included in the rent.
Taking Good Care of your Rental Unit
Taking good care of your rental unit is not only important to remain eligible for rental assistance but is also the pono thing to do while living in a rental unit AND when getting ready to move out. Households must keep rental units in good condition to remain eligible in the current rental unit and to be eligible to move to another rental unit with housing assistance.
Programs for Section 8 Participants
Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS)
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program helps participants build financial stability and work toward long-term goals like employment, education and homeownership. Through personalized support and a savings (escrow) account that grows as your income increases, families can build assets and move toward greater independence. If you are a current program participant and interested in the FSS Program, please email fsshopinfo@hawaiicounty.gov or call (808) 959-4642.
Homeownership Option Program (HOP)
The Homeownership Option Program (HOP) helps eligible families use their housing assistance to buy a home instead of renting. The program provides monthly support with mortgage payments along with guidance to help families successfully achieve and maintain homeownership. If you are a current program participant and interested in homeownership, please email fsshopinfo@hawaiicounty.gov or call (808) 959-4642.
Additional Resources:
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Income Limits (PDF) (Effective 5/1/2026)
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Payment Standards (PDF) (Effective 1/1/2026)
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