Federal housing officials honor Hawaiʻi County as ‘High Performer’ in Housing Choice Voucher programs

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently honored Hawaiʻi County as a “High Performer” following an annual assessment of its Housing Choice Voucher programs.

“High Performer” status — granted for fiscal year 2024-25 — is the highest rating from Housing and Urban Development to a public housing agency for financial management, operations and regulatory compliance of the federal rental subsidy program.

Hawai‘i County Office of Housing and Community Development Existing Housing Division serves as the county’s public housing agency.

“This recognition reflects the hard work of our staff and their commitment to delivering housing stability,” said Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda in an announcement about the achievement. “These programs serve as an important lifeline for local families, and the dedication of our team ensures that these federal dollars help as many households as possible.”

To be a “High Performer,” a public housing agency must receive an overall score of 90% or higher.

The performance score is determined from 14 indicators and one bonus performance indicator that measure an agency’s effectiveness and ability to assist eligible households.

Hawai‘i County achieved a score of 92%, with a score of 120 points out of a maximum of 130 throughout the key measures.

“We are incredibly proud to have earned [Housing and Urban Development’s} ‘High Performer’ designation,” said Hawai‘i County Housing Administrator Kehaulani Costa in the announcement. “It represents the effort the dedicated Existing Housing team has made to strengthen program delivery and improve outcomes for our residents.”

The federally funded Housing Choice Voucher programs, also known as Section 8, provide monthly rental assistance to very low- and low-income families.

The program provided more than $28 million in rental assistance, helping more than 2,200 households each month meet their housing needs in fiscal year 2024-25.

Hawai‘i County Office of Housing and Community Development is responsible for planning, administration and operation of all county housing programs.

Its mission is to provide for the development of viable communities through decent housing, suitable living environments and expanded economic opportunities.

“We remain focused on maintaining this high standard every day as we continue to expand housing opportunities across Hawaiʻi Island,” Costa said about her office’s new “High Performer” status.

More information about the county housing and development office and its programs can be found online.