Section 8 vouchers pay for the portion of a rent greater than 30 percent of the income of the household.

But not all participants in the program got a letter.
The Hawaii Public Housing Authority expected budget cuts and reduced spending and the number vouchers given out ahead of time.

"We staffed at that reduced level, issued vouchers for that level and we manage it as if we don't have the money. The money we have saved up will pay for the next six months and a little reserve that we have should tide us over for a year. So we should be OK," said Hakim Ouansafi, with the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.

Those with city vouchers instead wait, worry and wonder what will happen on Friday.

"I check the rents all the time. I just hope those residents have friend and relatives who can take them in," said Allan.

According to the city, those who came into the Section 8 program last would be the first removed. They would then be put on the waiting list. A waiting list so long, some families have been on it since 2006.

How much money would families be out? The state said the average amount of assistance is just under $1,100 per month.