HI HR175

Urges the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to implement H.C.R. No. 282, H.D. 1, which recommended increasing minimum rent for state public housing to no less than $250 per unit with yearly increases tied to the cost-of-living index.

Notes that approximately 9,000 families are on the waiting list for public housing with average wait times of two to five years, and that delays in turning vacant units impact rent revenues and available funding.

Cites Hawaii Revised Statutes section 356D-43, which requires HPHA to set rental rates sufficient to cover all management, operation, and maintenance expenses to ensure low-income housing projects remain self-supporting.

References a 2011 State Auditor's report finding that some tenants pay no rent or minimal rent and are in arrears, requiring action to strengthen affordable housing availability.

Directs transmission of certified copies to the Governor, Director of Human Services, HPHA Executive Director, and the Hawaii Regional Administrator of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.