DHHL Streamline Refinance Loans

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At its Aug. 19, 2013 meeting, the Hawaiian Homes Commission approved creation of a “Streamline Refinance Loan” product for lessees with Hawaiian Home General Loan Fund (HHGLF) direct loans in good standing, and an “Interest Rate Reduction Loan” product for delinquent loans (either in the HHGLF or to be refinanced with monies in the HHGLF) who meet specific criteria.

The purpose of the DHHL Streamline Refinance Loan and the Interest Rate Reduction Loan is to provide qualified lessees/borrowers with loan products to lower their monthly payment through a refinance of their loan via an interest rate reduction and/or extension of the term of the loan similar to those loan programs outside of DHHL. However, the DHHL products will require minimal loan documentation and no loan fee(s) will be assessed to the lessee.

DHHL is now offering our Streamline Refinance Loan, subject to the following criteria:

    1. Streamline Refinance Loan will apply to DHHL direct loans only.
    2. Eligible lessee(s) will qualify for the HHGLF rate which is currently set at 4.5%
    3. Lessee(s) must have made their full contractual payment on their existing DHHL loan in the month due for the last 12 months.
    4. No credit qualification required but a credit report will be obtained for informational purposes only, at the DHHL’s expense.
    5. Income verification not required.
    6. Loan application is required from all borrower(s) on existing DHHL loan
    7. All borrower(s) will be required to sign new loan documents.
    8. Appraisal is not required.
    9. No cash out is allowed.
    10. Loan can be re-amortized up to a maximum of 30 years.
    11. Proof of homeowners insurance is required.
    12. Lessee(s) must be current with real property taxes, association dues, county sewer/refuse fees, where applicable.
    13. Lessee(s) must be current with DHHL water services, if applicable.
    14. Lessee(s) can not have an outstanding advance(s) with the DHHL.
    15. DHHL advances are not eligible for the Streamline Refinance Loan.
    16. Loan amount cannot exceed 50% of the FHA county maximum.

DHHL is now offering our Interest Rate Reduction Loan, subject to the following criteria:

    1. Loans for consideration will apply to DHHL direct loans only or loans approved for refinance using HHGLF by the HHC.
    2. Eligible lessee(s) will qualify for the HHGLF rate which is currently set at 4.5%.
    3. Lessee(s) must have made their full contractual payment on their existing DHHL loan in the month due for the last 12 months set by the HHC or through a “workout” plan arranged by Loan Services Branch personnel.
    4. No credit qualification required but a credit report will be obtained for informational purposes only, at the DHHL’s expense.
    5.  Income verification not required.
    6. Loan application is required from all borrower(s) on existing DHHL loan.
    7. All borrower(s) will be required to sign new loan documents.
    8. Appraisal is not required.
    9. No cash out is allowed.
    10. Loan can be re-amortized up to a maximum of 30 years.
    11. Proof of homeowners insurance is required.
    12. Lessee(s) must be current with real property taxes, association dues, county sewer/refuse fees, where applicable.
    13. Lessee(s) must be current with DHHL water services, if applicable.
    14. Lessee(s) can not have an outstanding advance(s) with the department.
    15. DHHL advances, are not eligible for the Interest Rate Reduction Loan.
    16. Loan amount cannot exceed 50% of the FHA county maximum.

To request an application packet for either the Streamline Refinance Loan or the Interest Rate Reduction Loan:

  • Oahu lessees should contact the department’s Loan Services Branch at (808) 620-9215.
  • Neighbor island lessees should contact their respective district offices:
East Hawai‘i District Office
160 Baker Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
808-974-4250
808-974-4255 Fax
Moloka‘i District Office
PO Box 2009
Kaunakakai, HI 96748
808-560-6104
808-560-6665 Fax
West Hawai‘i District Office
PO Box 125
Kamuela, HI 96743
808-887-6053
808-887-6056 Fax
Kaua‘i District Office
3060 Eiwa Street, Room 203
Lihu‘e, HI 96766-1886
808-274-3131
808-274-3133 Fax
Maui District Office
655 Kaumuali‘i Street, Suite 1
Wailuku, HI 96793
808-760-5120
808-760-5122 Fax


Frequently Asked Questions for the
DHHL Loan Refinancing Products


Q: How do I apply for the DHHL Loan Refinancing Product?

A: Oahu lessees can contact the department’s Loan Services Branch at (808) 620-9215 for an application packet and neighbor island lessees can contact their district office.

Q: Who do I contact if I have questions regarding the DHHL Loan Refinancing Product?

A: You should contact the loan officer assigned to your area.  If you don’t know who your assigned loan officer is, please call (808) 620-9215 with your homestead area.

Q: If I’m currently delinquent with my department loan, would I qualify for the DHHL Loan Refinancing Product?

A: Yes, providing you have made your last 12 contractual payments within the month due and meet all other program criteria.

Q: What is the department’s current interest rate?

A: 4.5%

Q: What is the maximum loan term allowed?

A: Department loans can be amortized up to 30 years and you should consult with your assigned loan officer.

Q: How long will this process take?

A: Upon the department receiving a completed loan application packet, it will take approximately 60 to 90 days to process your request.

Q: Will my loan require approval from the Hawaiian Homes Commission?

A: Yes, all loans must be approved by the Hawaiian Homes Commission, which meets monthly.   

Q: Do I have to credit or income qualify for the DHHL Loan Refinancing Product?

A: No, there is no credit or income qualification requirement for the DHHL Loan Refinancing Product.

Q: Why do I have to complete a new loan application if there is no credit or income qualification?

A: Although there is no credit or income qualification for this program, the department requires updated information on all borrowers.  Many borrowers may have changed employers, phone numbers, number of dependents, etc., since completing their last application on file.

Q: Is an appraisal necessary?

A: No appraisal is required.

Q: Can I take cash out?

A: No, this program does not have a “cash out” feature.  Should you need a “cash out” refinance loan, you can contact any authorized HUD 184A or FHA 247 lender.

Q: Are there any fees associated with the DHHL Loan Refinancing Product?

A: No, there are no fees.

Q: Who needs to complete a loan application packet?

A: All borrowers and/or guarantors obligated to the outstanding department loan need to complete a loan application packet.

Q: Why do I have to sign a Credit Authorization form?

A: A credit report will be obtained for informational purposes only.