summary
Introduced
01/15/2025
01/15/2025
In Committee
03/06/2025
03/06/2025
Crossed Over
03/04/2025
03/04/2025
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Requires hotelkeepers to provide adequate notice of service disruptions to third-party vendors and prospective and current guests under certain conditions. Prohibits hotelkeepers from imposing any fee, penalty, or other charge and from retaining any deposit of a guest who cancels a reservation if a service disruption is likely to exist during the period of the reservation. Requires any hotelkeeper that violates or causes another person to violate this Act to forfeit to the injured party three times the amount of the sum charged in excess of what the hotelkeeper is entitled to. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)
AI Summary
This bill requires hotels in Hawaii to provide comprehensive notice to guests and third-party vendors about potential service disruptions that could substantially affect a guest's hotel experience. Specifically, hotels must notify guests within 24 hours of a disruption through all booking platforms, clearly describing the nature and extent of the disruption and the guest's right to cancel without penalty. Service disruptions are broadly defined and include issues like construction noise, pest infestations, unavailable amenities, utility outages, accessibility feature problems, and labor demonstrations. If a disruption is likely during a guest's planned stay, the hotel cannot charge any cancellation fees or keep any deposits. Furthermore, if a hotel violates these requirements, they must pay the injured party three times the amount improperly charged. The bill aims to protect travelers, who are often unfamiliar with local conditions, by ensuring transparency and giving them the ability to modify or cancel reservations without financial consequences when significant service issues are present. The legislation is part of a broader effort to maintain Hawaii's tourism industry by protecting visitors' interests and ensuring high-quality accommodation experiences.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Carried over to 2026 Regular Session. (on 12/08/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
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