HAR §17-796.2-1. Purpose

(a) The purpose of this chapter is to establish the rules governing the administration and implementation of the Hawaii Relief Program (HRP) for families with dependent children, who are in need of non-recurring short-term housing, utility, or automobile payments, or a combination of these payments, to address an episode of financial need due to an extenuating circumstance, according to the provisions described in this chapter, in order to prevent families from becoming homeless and to assist homeless families to secure and maintain stable housing. (b) These emergency rules shall be effective upon filing with the Lieutenant Governor's office; provided that the conditions set out in these rules shall apply retroactively as of February 1, 2026. [Eff APR 24 2026] (Auth: HRS §§91-3, 91-4, and 346-14; 42 U.S.C. §§601, et seq.) (Imp: HRS §346-14; 45 C.F.R. §260.31)