Bill > SB179

This bill aims to address Hawaii's housing crisis by clarifying and modifying laws related to construction defect claims and litigation. The bill makes several key changes to existing statutes, including expanding the statute of repose to explicitly cover contract, tort, and statutory claims, and specifying that fraudulent concealment cannot be used as a defense against the ten-year limitation period. The bill requires construction defect claims to involve a material violation of building codes and mandates that notice of claims must provide specific, detailed information about the alleged defect. It establishes a more structured process for contractors to respond to and potentially remedy construction defects, including requirements for inspection, documentation, and settlement offers. The legislation limits a claimant's potential recovery if they reject a contractor's reasonable settlement offer and introduces consequences for rejecting settlement proposals, such as restricting the ability to recover attorneys' fees and full repair costs. By providing clearer guidelines and potentially reducing litigation risks, the bill seeks to lower housing costs and encourage more construction by making the claims process more predictable and efficient for contractors and property owners. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2050, giving stakeholders ample time to prepare for the new legal framework.