HI HB1858

Establishes a short-term rental assistance special fund administered by the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to provide rental assistance to individuals and families with income not exceeding 50 percent of area median income.

Allows the authority to provide up to 24 months of rental assistance and eligible non-rent housing expenses (security deposits, utility payments, landlord incentives) during any three-year period.

Requires rental assistance agreements between the authority and property owners that establish payment terms, include provisions for eviction notices, and match the lease's payment due dates and late payment penalties.

Permits the authority to contract program management to counties or non-profit organizations, with contracts exempt from competitive bidding requirements under Chapter 103.

Appropriates funds from general revenues to the short-term rental assistance special fund for fiscal year 2022-2023, effective July 1, 2022.