Bill > HB973

This bill requires transient accommodations brokers (such as hotels, online travel agencies, and short-term rental platforms) to provide full pricing transparency by displaying the complete cost of a stay upfront. Specifically, the bill mandates that all rental rates must include resort fees (additional mandatory charges imposed by accommodations) and that the total price shown must incorporate all applicable government taxes and fees before a consumer makes a reservation. Violations of these requirements can result in civil penalties of up to $10,000 per occurrence, which can be enforced by the state's attorney general or county prosecutors. The legislation aims to prevent consumer confusion by ensuring that the initial price displayed reflects the total cost of the stay, creating a level playing field across different types of accommodations and booking platforms. The bill defines key terms like "resort fees" and "transient accommodations" by referencing existing Hawaii state law, and it includes provisions that preserve the bill's other sections even if one part is found to be invalid. While the bill's effective date is technically listed as January 1, 3000, this is likely a placeholder and the actual implementation date would be determined during the legislative process.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=973&year=2026