Programs News

Washington- The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a proposed rule this week and plans to expand rental assistance to Native Hawaiian families under Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant (NHHBG) program.

HUD would amend its regulations to clarify how program funds can be used for rental housing as authorized by Title VIII of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA) under the proposed rule. In addition to this, the rule also clarifies and improves its consistency with NAHASDA’s statutory requirements and HUD’s Indian Housing Block Grant program regulations. The affordable housing opportunities for low-income Native Hawaiian families will also be expanded by this proposed rule.

HUD’s secretary, Marcia L. Fudge says, “ This policy change will expand affordable housing opportunities to native Hawaiian families and ensure those who need additional help can access it”.

In 2019, the Governor of Hawaii granted approval for administrative rules that enabled the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) to broaden its residential lease options and incorporate rental housing. HUD reviewed its regulations and determined that they failed to adequately explain how NHHBG funds will be used for rental assistance after receiving feedback from DHHL about rental housing projects. HUD also said that it can be revised to provide additional details and support the rental housing program administered by DHHL. This is what prompted HUD’s proposed rule.

The proposed rule is open for public comments and encourages commentators to comment electronically via the Federal eRulemaking portal at www.regulations.gov