NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Pursuant to Sections 91-2 and 92-41, the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA), Department of Human Services, hereby provides notice that it will hold public hearings to consider the proposed repeal of Chapter 15-184, “Rent Supplement Program,” Hawaii Administrative Rules, and proposed adoption of Chapter 17-2033, “Rent Supplement Program,” Hawaii Administrative Rules.

Background: Due to the changes in title number and department to which HPHA is administratively attached, and other extensive changes to Chapter 15-184, HAR, HPHA proposes to repeal Chapter 15-184, HAR, and adopt Chapter 17-2033, HAR, in its place. The differences between the Chapters are:
1) A change in title numbers from Title 15 to Title 17, HAR, changing subtitle numbers from Subtitle 14. HAR, to Subtitle 5, HAR, and changing chapter numbers from Chapter 184, HAR, to Chapter 2033, HAR;
2) Changing the state department to which the HPHA is administratively attached, from “Department of Business and Economic Development,” to “Department of Human Services,” and replacing references to “Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii” with the “Hawaii Public Housing Authority,” to accurately reflect the current titles of the agency, and replace references to Chapter 201G, HRS with Chapter 365D, HRS;
3) Revising and adding definitions, including “applicant,” “criminal activity,” “drug,” “violent criminal activity,” “elderly,” “foster children,” “gender identity or expression,” “security deposit,” “staff,” and “U.S.C.,” to old Section 15-184-2, HAR, to read as new section 17-2033-2;
4) Clarifying the definition for “very low income,” under old Section 15-184-2, HAR to read as new Section 17-2033-2, HAR, and replace exhibit A with reference to the specific resource under old Section 15-184-3, HAR, to read as new Section 17-2033-3;
5) Require a social security number or certification of not having one, evidence of citizenship or eligible immigrant status for each household member for application, verification, eligibility in various sections in order to properly and consistently document program applicant eligibility;
6) Include a waiting list for applicants by adding a new subsection in old Section 15-184-11, to read as new Section 17-2033-11(b), and creating a new Section 17-2033-22;
7) Clarifying that an eligible participant may not own, in whole or a majority, interest in a dwelling unit in the state of Hawaii, under old Section 15-184-13(5), to read as new Section 17-2033-13(5);
8) Provide a minimum of $25 and a maximum of $500 for a monthly rent supplement payment under old Sections 15-184-13(7) and 15-184-21(21) to read as new Sections 17-2033-13(7) and 17-2033-31;
9) Clarifying that an applicant must have their primary place of residence in Hawaii and not merely an intent to make Hawaii their residence, under old Section 15-184-13(9) to read as new Section 17-2033-13(9);
10) Requiring for purposes of eligibility that an applicant not engage in or threaten abusive or violent behavior or cause any harm to damage to the HPHA, by adding new subsections to old Section 15-184-13, to read as new Section 17-2033-13(16) and (17);
11) Moving old Sections 15-184-14 through 15-184-17, HAR, with minor changes to new Subchapter 3 of Chapter 17-2033, HAR;
12) Include provisions for nondiscrimination compliance, under new Section 17-2033-21;
13) Specifying that reexamination of participant eligibility shall be performed either in-person or via mail, by adding a new subsection under old Section 15-184-23 to read as new Section 17-2033-33(f);
14) Make other technical, non-substantive changes to Chapter 15-184, HAR, which are reflected in proposed new Chapter 17-2033, HAR, for clarity, consistency, and style.

Public Review: The proposed changes are available for public viewing at the HPHA and site management offices at the following locations between 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:

Hawaii Public Housing Authority Lanakila Homes
1002 North School Street, Bldg. E 600 Wailoa Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 Hilo, Hawaii 96720

Ka Hale Kahaluu Kahekili Terrace
78-6725 Makolea Street 2015 Holowai Place
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 Wailuku, Hawaii 96793

Kapaa Also available on the HPHA website at:
4726 Malu Road www.hpha.hawaii.gov/referenceinformation/admin_rule.htm
Kapaa, Hawaii 96746

Public Hearings: Public hearings will be held at the following locations

on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.:

Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) Kealakehe Housing Project
1002 No. School Street, Bldg. “E” Resident Association Meeting Room
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 74-991 Manawalea St. #A101
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

(HTH927946 10/26/16)~