Report Fraud, Waste or Abuse
The City and County of Honolulu Department of Community Services (DCS) is committed to protecting public funds and ensuring that housing and community development programs serve the people who need them most. Fraud, waste, or abuse of federally funded or City-funded programs undermines housing stability, reduces resources for families, and violates federal and state law.
If you believe someone is misusing or improperly benefiting from a DCS-administered housing or community development program, we encourage you to report it. Housing and community development programs are funded by federal and City dollars to support families, seniors, people with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness. Fraud and misuse of these funds takes resources away from the community.
You can help protect these programs.
Programs Covered
The Department of Community Services administers and oversees multiple federally and locally funded housing and community development programs, including:
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), which provides rental assistance to eligible low-income households through federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD);
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, which supports affordable housing, public services, community facilities, and neighborhood revitalization;
HUD HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program, which funds the development and preservation of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households;
HUD Housing Trust Fund (HTF), administered through the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation, which supports the production and preservation of housing for extremely low-income households;
City and County of Honolulu Affordable Housing Fund (AHF), which supports housing development and construction and is often leveraged with federal funding sources;
HUD Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program, which supports homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, street outreach, and rapid rehousing services;
HUD Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS (HOPWA) Program, which provides housing assistance and supportive services for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS; and
Public service and Community-Based Development Organization (CBDO) activities funded through CDBG, including conversions of prior CDBG loans to nonprofit organizations into grants.
These funds support affordable housing, homelessness services, housing development, community facilities, and nonprofit-led community programs across Oʻahu.
What Is Fraud, Waste, or Abuse?
Based on guidance from the HUD Office of Inspector General (OIG), fraud, waste, and abuse may include, but are not limited to:
Fraud – Intentionally providing false or misleading information, or concealing information, to obtain or keep federal or City housing or community development funds. Examples include:
· False statements on applications for housing, rental assistance, or grant funding
· Misrepresenting income, household size, or eligibility
· Using funds for purposes not allowed under the program
· Kickbacks, bribery, or conflicts of interest
· Billing for work not performed or services not delivered
Waste – The misuse or inefficient use of public funds that results in unnecessary costs, such as:
· Overpaying for goods or services
· Paying for unused, unneeded, or excessive items
· Poor financial controls or lack of oversight
Abuse – Improper conduct that does not necessarily meet the legal definition of fraud but violates program rules, ethics, or public trust, such as:
· Mismanagement of grant or contract funds
· Favoritism or unfair treatment
· Failure to follow required procedures
Federal and State Law
Under Title 18, Section 1001 of the United States Code, it is a felony to knowingly and willfully make false or fraudulent statements to any department or agency of the United States.
Under Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes §710-1063, it is a crime to obtain or attempt to obtain housing assistance, rent subsidies, or other public benefits through false information, impersonation, failure to disclose required information, or other fraudulent means.
These laws apply to tenants, applicants, landlords, developers, contractors, nonprofit organizations, and anyone receiving or administering program funds.
How to Report Suspected Fraud
You may report suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to any City and County of Honolulu Department of Community Services housing or community development program using the methods below.
The Honolulu Section 8 Office will follow up on all reports of program violations. Program violations may be committed by tenants or owners participating in housing programs, as well as employees administering these programs.
Email (Preferred)
cchs8@honolulu.gov
City and County of Honolulu
Department of Community Services
City & County of Honolulu
222 N. School Street
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96817
Phone
📞 (808) 768-7096 [Section 8]
or (808) 768 – 7752 [Other programs listed above]
Or Contact HUD Directly
HUD Office of Inspector General (OIG)
Hotline@hudoig.gov
HUD OIG Hotline, GFI
451 7th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20410
Phone
1-800-347-3735
Honolulu Section 8 Office Fraud Report Form
Your Information Is Protected
Reports are handled confidentially under federal and state law. You do not have to prove fraud — investigators will review the information you provide