A proposal to drug test public housing tenants is being touted as a way to clean up Hawaii’s housing projects and stem losses from unpaid rent.

According to Housing Chairwoman Rep. Rida Cabanilla, the state has absorbed more than $800,000 in unpaid rent from government-subsidized housing residents, who need to be held accountable.

Her committee amended House Bill 1855 today to clarify new applicants will be warned they’ll need to submit to a drug test before receiving a lease. In addition, the measure calls for testing 50 percent of current public housing tenants, with the exception of those who are elderly, disabled or younger than 15.

Cabanilla says drug dealers and users need to be removed from public housing so more responsible tenants can be brought in.