Bill > HB1096

This bill repeals the existing tenant selection preferences for disabled veterans and spouses of deceased veterans in Hawaii's State Low-Income Housing Program, making state law consistent with federal public housing requirements. Currently, veterans with a permanent disability of ten percent or more, as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and their dependent parents were given preferential treatment in housing selection. The bill removes these specific preferences, while maintaining the authority's ability to select tenants based on those in greatest need and to limit tenant selection when required by federal law. The bill notes that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program already provides housing assistance and case management for homeless veterans, which may have influenced this legislative change. The bill will take effect on July 1, 3000 (which appears to be a placeholder date), and it maintains the existing provision that the housing authority cannot select or retain tenants who own or acquire a home within the state.

Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1096&year=2026