Bill > SB2227

This bill establishes a dedicated State Rent Supplement Program Special Fund, which will be financed by transaction taxes collected on recordings in the Land Court and Bureau of Conveyances, as well as legislative appropriations, and will be used to provide rental assistance to qualified tenants. The Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) will administer this fund and is authorized to enter into agreements with counties or non-profit organizations to implement the program, which will provide monthly rent supplement payments for a period of six to twelve months, with tenants paying at least 30% of their income and the HPHA subsidizing the difference up to $2,000 per month. The bill also prioritizes certain tenants for this assistance, including kupuna (elderly individuals), families with young children, and individuals with disabilities, while repealing a separate rent supplement program specifically for kupuna. Additionally, the bill creates new positions within the HPHA to support the program and appropriates funds for its operation, with the entire act taking effect on July 1, 2050.