Bill > HB1180

This bill amends the Hawaii Landlord Tenant Code to provide landlords with additional legal remedies when tenants are in material noncompliance with Section 521-51 (which likely relates to tenant responsibilities). Specifically, the bill allows landlords to petition a district court for temporary or permanent restraining orders or injunctions to compel tenant compliance. The new provisions outline a detailed process for obtaining such orders, including requirements for filing a written petition with an affidavit detailing the specific violations. If a restraining order is issued and subsequently violated, the landlord can immediately seek a judgment for possession and eviction. The bill establishes that temporary restraining orders can remain in effect for up to 90 days and potentially be extended to three years if the tenant continues to violate the order. The court must provide opportunities for tenants to respond to allegations and can conduct hearings to determine the validity of the claims. Importantly, the bill includes a provision stating that nothing in the section should be construed to prohibit constitutionally protected activities, and the new legal provisions will not affect rights, penalties, or proceedings that began before the law's effective date.

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https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1180&year=2026