The increase is triggered by the U.S. Department of Housing, which raised the limits for affordable housing. It does mean more people will qualify for it. But it comes at a higher price.

In order to be eligible for affordable housing in Honolulu last year, someone could not earn more than $86,600. This year, that’s gone up $96,000, an 11 percent increase. Experts say it essentially gives property owners the green light to raise the rent just as much.   

“So those people who might be living on pension income, social security. For them this has the potential to be scary,” said Gavin Thornton, co-executive director of the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice.

Thornton says it will be up to the property owner whether to phase that 11 percent or add it on right away. He adds that this is the largest increase in more than 20 years. On average, the yearly increase is about 2 percent.

The positive side of this is there are those who were making too much before who can now qualify for affordable housing. Of course it also means that they’re qualifying for the higher rent. And the same goes for people who want to buy affordable housing units.

“It’s going to make more people eligible to purchase those affordable units but it’s going to increase the purchase prices as well,” said Thornton.

He adds that there are many factors that determine the increase by the U.S. Department of Housing. In general though, those who are hurt the most are the renters already struggling.