Housing (Renters)

signed · Hawaii · House Jul 9, 2026

HB 1740: RELATING TO THE HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

Repeals the prohibition against qualified residents for Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation-approved projects holding a majority interest in land and repeals the requirement that qualified residents demonstrate financial viability or ability to pay rent. Limits a qualified resident from owning a majority interest in no more than one property suitable for dwelling purposes, but requiring the disposal of such property within two years. Amends exemptions from statutes, ordinances, charter provisions, and rules for certain housing projects developed by the Corporation that satisfy certain conditions, including requirements related to employment, owner-occupancy, and deed restrictions. (CD1)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves barriers for qualified residents to hold majority land interest and eliminates financial viability requirements, advancing affordable housing access under HHFDC programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Housing Finance Property Development Renters

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2959: RELATING TO HOUSING.

Beginning 11/1/2026, requires landlords to accept comprehensive reusable tenant screening reports, if made available by an applicant, and prohibits application fees in such case.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits application fees when reusable screening reports are provided, reducing tenant costs and strengthening tenant protections under landlord-tenant code.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

Track

in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 693: RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

HB 693 restricts how much and how often landlords can increase rent for residential tenants, directly affecting both landlords and renters in the state. The bill limits the total annual rent increase to a specific cap and restricts the frequency of raises within a twelve-month period. This would require landlords to adhere to a set annual limit on rent hikes for all covered residential properties under the state's landlord-tenant code. The bill is pending in committee and has not yet been enacted.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRestricts annual rent increases and frequency, directly protecting tenants from excessive hikes and advancing affordability under landlord-tenant code.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters

Track

passed · Hawaii · Senate Feb 19, 2026

SB 2210: RELATING TO HOUSING DISCRIMINATION.

SB 2210 allows Hawaii's Civil Rights Commission to prosecute housing discrimination based on a tenant's source of income, such as public benefits, housing vouchers, or disability payments. This directly affects landlords and housing providers who may deny housing or impose unfair terms due to how a tenant pays rent. The bill gives the Commission new authority to take legal action in these cases, rather than relying solely on private lawsuits. It aims to address a specific gap in existing anti-discrimination protections by targeting income source as a prohibited factor. The bill passed committee with amendments in February 2026 and is now moving toward final legislative action.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents housing discrimination based on income source (e.g., vouchers), strengthening tenant protections and expanding enforcement authority.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

Track

passed both · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 417: RELATING TO THE RENTAL HOUSING REVOLVING FUND.

Establishes the Housing Efficiency and Innovation Subaccount within the Rental Housing Revolving Fund. Specifies permissible uses of funding and priorities. Authorizes the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to transfer funds between the Housing Efficiency and Innovation Subaccount and the Rental Housing Revolving Fund without legislative approval. Appropriates funds. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes Housing Efficiency and Innovation Subaccount within Rental Housing Revolving Fund, directs funding toward housing development priorities, and appropriates resources for housing initiatives.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Housing Finance Property Development Renters

Track

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HB 432: RELATING TO THE RENTAL HOUSING REVOLVING FUND.

Establishes the Mixed-Income Subaccount within the Rental Housing Revolving Fund to prioritize development of workforce rental and for-sale housing projects for qualified residents. Requires the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to adopt administrative rules. Appropriates moneys. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates funds for workforce housing development via Rental Housing Revolving Fund subaccount, directly advancing budget allocation for housing programs.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes subaccount funding workforce rental/for-sale housing projects, prioritizing qualified residents, directly advancing affordable housing development through dedicated funding and prioritization.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Renters

Track

passed · Hawaii · Senate Feb 19, 2026

SB 2553: RELATING TO THE HOUSING LOAN AND MORTGAGE PROGRAM.

SB 2553 increases the maximum amount of state-funded bonds available for the Hula Mae Multifamily Revenue Program. This change would allow the program to continue financing affordable rental housing projects across the state by raising its funding limit. The bill directly affects affordable housing developers and renters who rely on these state-supported housing options. The program uses revenue bonds to fund new or existing apartment buildings offering below-market rent, and this bill would expand its capacity without creating new requirements. The bill is currently pending review by the Housing Committee.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases funding limit for affordable housing program via state bonds, advancing public service funding without tax changes.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingIncreases funding limit for affordable housing program, enabling continued financing of below-market rent projects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Debt & Bonds Affordable Housing Housing Finance Renters

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 2444: RELATING TO TAXATION.

HB 2444 increases the state tax credit available to low-income household renters, raising the amount from $50 to $100 for each tax exemption claimed by the taxpayer. This change directly affects renters who qualify as low-income and claim tax exemptions, providing them with greater financial relief through their state tax return. The key provision is the specific dollar amount increase per exemption, making the credit more substantial for eligible households. The bill does not alter eligibility criteria or introduce new administrative requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases tax credit for low-income renters, providing direct fiscal relief through higher state tax credit per exemption.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingIncreases tax credit for low-income renters from $50 to $100, directly enhancing housing affordability and financial relief for eligible households.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Tax Credits Tax Incentives Property Taxes Renters

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 155: RELATING TO EVICTIONS.

Prohibits landlords from terminating certain tenancies without cause. Establishes criteria under which landlords can undertake a no-fault eviction. Requires landlords, when proceeding with a no-fault eviction, to offer relocation assistance to the tenant or waiver of the final month's rent. Effective 1/1/2026.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits no-cause evictions, mandates relocation assistance/waiver for no-fault evictions, directly strengthening tenant protections under housing topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 44: RELATING TO HOUSING DISCRIMINATION.

SB 44 allows counties to ban housing discrimination against renters based on their source of income, such as government benefits (e.g., Social Security, welfare). It directly affects renters who rely on non-traditional income sources, preventing landlords from refusing to rent to them solely because of how they earn money. The key mechanism gives counties the authority to enact local policies prohibiting this specific form of discrimination. This bill would change local housing rules to ensure fair access for renters using public assistance or other non-wage income.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents rental discrimination based on income source, protecting tenants relying on government benefits and advancing tenant rights95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

Track