Bill > SB83

This bill addresses service disruptions in Hawaii hotels by establishing new requirements for hotelkeepers to protect guests and third-party vendors. The legislation mandates that hotels must provide detailed notification within 24 hours of any service disruption that substantially affects guest experiences, including issues like construction noise, pest infestations, unavailable amenities, utility outages, or labor demonstrations. Hotels must communicate these disruptions through all advertising and booking platforms, with the notification prominently displayed. The bill prevents hotels from charging fees or retaining deposits if a service disruption is likely during a guest's reservation period, and allows guests to cancel or terminate their reservations without financial penalty. If a hotelkeeper violates these provisions, they must pay the injured party three times the amount of any excessive charges. The bill defines "service disruption" comprehensively, covering various scenarios that might negatively impact a guest's stay, such as noisy construction, unavailable amenities, accessibility issues, and utility problems. The legislation aims to protect travelers, who are often unfamiliar with local conditions, and to maintain Hawaii's reputation as a high-quality tourism destination by ensuring transparent and fair treatment of hotel guests.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=83&year=2025