Bill > HB831

This bill aims to address Hawaii's affordable housing crisis by prohibiting algorithmic price-setting in the rental market. The legislation makes it unlawful for rental property owners, property management software companies (called "coordinators"), and multiple property owners to engage in practices that artificially manipulate rental prices, such as exchanging pricing information, using algorithms to recommend rental prices, or engaging in "consciously parallel pricing coordination" (tacit agreement to raise or manipulate prices). The bill allows civil actions against violators with a lower standard of proof, requiring only plausible allegations of anti-competitive behavior. Violators can face significant penalties, including fines up to $100,000 for individuals and $1,000,000 for companies, and potential imprisonment. The Department of the Attorney General is mandated to develop a public education program to inform citizens about these new restrictions and provide guidance on reporting suspected violations. The legislation defines key terms like "residential dwelling unit" and establishes specific parameters for what constitutes illegal price coordination, with the ultimate goal of preventing artificially inflated rental prices in a state experiencing the highest median rent in the nation.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=831&year=2026