County of Hawaii
Hilo, Hawaii
Last Updated
14 hours ago
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Aug 1, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
One application per family, no cost to apply. Income must not exceed 80% AMI; 75% of vouchers for those at or below 30% AMI. Placement is time-and-date-based, not a lottery. Preferences for Hawaiʻi County residents at or below 30% AMI with minor children and/or elderly/disabled persons, especially with a participating landlord. Eligibility for US citizens and eligible non-citizens.
Mainstream Voucher Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Aug 1, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Mainstream Vouchers for non-elderly persons with disabilities are offered as a preference from the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting list. Therefore, the application process, open date, and other relevant details align with the HCV program.
Other Programs
6 programsThese programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.
Eligibility inquiries, housing navigation, financial, and health-related resources for Hawaiʻi island residents are handled through The Coordination Center (Call or Text: 808-501-1413) or HOPE Services Hawaiʻi (Phone: 808-935-3050). The waiting list status for direct applications was not specified.
Contact for assistance: (808) 959-5855 Ext: 107 (Salvation Army-Family Intervention Services). The waiting list status for direct applications was not specified.
The County of Hawai'i Office of Housing and Community Development administers Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), but no current information regarding the open or closed status of their waiting list or application process is available.
Public Housing provides affordable rental units owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Units range from single-family homes to high-rise apartments, with rent typically set at 30% of household income.
No information regarding the waiting list status for the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program specific to the County of Hawaii in Hilo, HI, was found.
Contact for assistance: (808) 935-3781. The waiting list status for direct applications was not specified.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official County of Hawaii portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at County of Hawaii
Check Current Status
Before applying, verify that the waiting list is currently open. Housing authorities only accept applications during designated open periods, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
Most PHAs require: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official County of Hawaii portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list, keep your contact information updated with the PHA. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Wait times vary from 6 months to over 5 years depending on demand. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs Offered at County of Hawaii
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher program provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for your area. Vouchers are portable, meaning you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Mainstream
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact County of Hawaii directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV)
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact County of Hawaii directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Foster Youth to Independence (FYI)
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact County of Hawaii directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher
Project-Based Vouchers are attached to specific apartment complexes or units. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
Public Housing Public Housing
Public Housing units are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Units range from apartments to townhomes and are maintained by the PHA. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
RAD
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact County of Hawaii directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
VASH
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact County of Hawaii directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at County of Hawaii free?
How long is the wait at County of Hawaii?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact County of Hawaii?
County of Hawaii Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the County of Hawaii are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Hawaii County, HI. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $60,450. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $25,400 | $42,350 | $67,700 |
| 2 Persons | $29,000 | $48,400 | $77,400 |
| 3 Persons | $32,650 | $54,450 | $87,050 |
| 4 Persons | $36,980 | $60,450 | $96,700 |
| 5 Persons | $43,310 | $65,300 | $104,450 |
| 6 Persons | $49,640 | $70,150 | $112,200 |
| 7 Persons | $55,970 | $75,000 | $119,950 |
| 8 Persons | $62,300 | $79,800 | $127,650 |
What do these income limits mean?
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.