Bill > SB1160

This bill addresses ticket scalping in Hawaii by prohibiting the sale of event tickets at prices higher than the original price set by the primary venue ticket provider. The legislation aims to protect consumers from inflated ticket prices by targeting scalpers who use advanced computer software to quickly purchase large numbers of tickets and resell them at significant markups. The bill repeals existing provisions related to ticket brokers and defines a "primary venue ticket provider" as the owner, operator, manager, or promoter of an event who initially sells or distributes tickets. An important exception is made for charitable organizations, which can resell tickets through fundraising activities like raffles or auctions. The bill provides that if any part of the law is found invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable, and it will take effect on July 1, 2025. The legislature's motivation for this bill stems from specific examples, such as a Bruno Mars concert in 2018 where thousands of tickets were resold at inflated prices on third-party websites.

Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1160&year=2026