Housing (Renters)

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 14, 2026

GM 1352: Informing the Legislature that on July 14, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2866 SD1 HD1 CD1 (ACT 250).

This message from the Governor informs the Hawaii Legislature that he signed Act 250 into law on July 14, 2026. The bill makes permanent the state rent supplement program for elderly residents, known as kupuna, which provides monthly rental assistance to prevent eviction and homelessness. Previously set to expire in 2026, the program's sunset date was extended to 2028 before this legislation made the funding permanent. The act takes effect on July 1, 2026, ensuring continued support for approximately 300 at-risk elderly individuals who receive less than $500 per month in aid.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill makes permanent funding for a rent supplement program for elderly residents, preventing eviction and homelessness.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2026

GM 1314: Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2060 SD2 HD1 CD1 (ACT 212).

This bill, signed into law as Act 212, establishes a new Rental Housing Revolving Fund to support the development, construction, and preservation of affordable rental housing in Hawaii. The fund will be administered by the state corporation and can be financed through legislative appropriations, conveyance taxes, private donations, loan repayments, and interest. It provides various forms of financial assistance, including loans, equity investments, and credit enhancement, with a specific priority given to projects that include a significant number of very low-income units. The legislation also defines a "mixed-income rental project" as a development offering units to households at different income levels, primarily those earning at or below 140% of the area median income.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes a new Rental Housing Revolving Fund financed by legislative appropriations and taxes to fund affordable housing, directly advancing budget and taxation for public services.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes a new fund to finance affordable rental housing development and preservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Renters

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 24, 2026

GM 1230: Informing the Legislature that on June 24, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1711 HD1 SD2 CD1 (ACT 129).

This document is a formal notification from the Governor of Hawaii to the legislature confirming that Act 129 was signed into law on June 24, 2026. The law modifies existing housing statutes to allow for rental agreements where the sales price is set at the start of the lease and remains fixed for a period of up to ten years. During this time, tenants have the option to purchase their rental unit at that designated price, but they must exercise this right within the option period or forfeit their right to remain in the unit. The bill directly affects housing participants by altering the terms under which they can rent and potentially buy homes.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates a fixed-price purchase option for tenants, enhancing tenant protections and promoting affordable homeownership pathways.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

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passed both · Hawaii · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 1975: RELATING TO KUPUNA HOUSING.

Repeals the sunset for the State Rent Supplement Program for Kupuna. Appropriates funds to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority for the State Rent Supplement Program for Kupuna and for two positions to support the program. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRepeals sunset for Kupuna housing program and funds it, extending support for elderly housing assistance through state rent supplements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

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in committee · Hawaii · House Jan 30, 2026

HB 2221: RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

Prohibits a landlord or the landlord's agent from charging an application fee for a criminal background check or credit report if an applicant provides a certified copy of a recent criminal background check or credit report. Prohibits a landlord or the landlord's agent from charging an application fee if a recent comprehensive reusable tenant screening report is available. Requires a landlord or the landlord's agent to provide, upon request, a certified copy of an applicant's criminal background check or credit report.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill prohibits double-charging for criminal background checks in housing, reducing barriers for tenants with records and aligning with criminal justice reform to lower recidivism through housing access.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits landlord application fees for background checks/credit reports, reducing tenant costs and strengthening tenant protections in rental housing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 14, 2026

SB 2866: RELATING TO KUPUNA HOUSING.

This bill removes the expiration date for the State Rent Supplement Program, which provides financial assistance to help elderly residents afford housing. By eliminating the sunset clause, the legislation ensures that current and future eligible seniors can continue to receive rent subsidies without the program ending automatically. The measure directly affects older adults who rely on this state-funded aid and the agencies responsible for administering the program. If passed, the change allows the program to operate indefinitely rather than requiring renewal or replacement at a specific future date.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRepeals sunset for Kupuna rent supplement program and appropriates funds to HPHA, directly funding affordable housing for elderly residents.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 3, 2026

SB 2197: RELATED TO HOUSING.

Replaces the five-year period during which the sales price of a rent-to-own dwelling unit shall remain fixed with an option period established by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. Effective 7/1/2050.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill modifies rent-to-own program via HHFDC to establish flexible option periods, supporting housing affordability and tenant pathways to ownership.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Housing Finance Property Development Renters

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2958: RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

Prohibits a landlord or the landlord's agent from charging an application fee for a criminal background check or credit report if an applicant provides a certified copy of a recent criminal background check or credit report. Prohibits a landlord or the landlord's agent from charging an application fee if a recent comprehensive reusable tenant screening report is available. Requires a landlord or the landlord's agent to provide, upon request, a certified copy of an applicant's criminal background check or credit report.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits fees for background checks in rental applications, reducing financial barriers for tenants with criminal records and supporting reentry/reform efforts.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits landlord application fees for background/credit checks, reducing tenant costs and strengthening tenant protections under housing affordability measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 21, 2026

SB 577: RELATING TO RENTAL HOUSING PROJECT DISASTER RECOVERY PERMITS.

Authorizes departments to issue permits for the development of multi-family rental housing projects on state or county land that was used for a multi-family rental housing project before a state emergency.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill authorizes permits for multi-family rental housing development on public land after disasters, directly advancing housing supply and development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Renters Tags Emergency Management

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 1010: RELATING TO THE RENTAL HOUSING REVOLVING FUND.

Creates a mixed-income rental housing subaccount under the Rental Housing Revolving Fund which shall make loans to mixed-income rental projects or units in a mixed-income rental project. Authorizes the transfer of moneys from the Rental Housing Revolving Fund to the Rental Housing Revolving Fund Mixed-Income Subaccount.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates dedicated funding subaccount for mixed-income rental housing projects, directly advancing affordable housing development through targeted financing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

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