HI SCR162

Requests the Governor to order all executive agencies to review and revise their policies and rules to prohibit discrimination in rental transactions and advertisements based on source of income or participation in housing assistance programs.

Requires each executive agency to submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2023, detailing the status of their policy review and any necessary revisions.

Notes that federal Fair Housing Act and Hawaii Revised Statutes chapter 515 do not currently prevent landlords from discriminating against applicants with Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8).

Highlights that Honolulu is one of the largest U.S. cities without source of income discrimination protections, and that rental advertisements frequently state "no Section 8 accepted," creating barriers for low-income residents.

Cites research showing applicants with housing vouchers are twelve percent more likely to find housing when anti-discrimination policies exist, and notes sixteen states plus the District of Columbia already prohibit source of income discrimination.