Bill > HCR102

This concurrent resolution strongly urges the Real Estate Commission of Hawaii to administer the real estate salesperson's examination in Japanese, specifically for issuing a limited license to sell timeshare products to Japanese national visitors. The resolution highlights several key rationales, including the potential to increase Japanese tourism and economic involvement in Hawaii, the commission's existing statutory authority to offer multilingual examinations, and the precedent of offering driver's license tests in multiple languages. The resolution notes that timeshare owners are more likely to repeatedly visit and engage with the local community compared to traditional hotel guests, and that the timeshare industry has struggled to hire enough licensed Japanese-speaking salespersons. By requesting the commission to use its existing powers under chapter 467 of Hawaii Revised Statutes, the resolution aims to facilitate greater Japanese participation in Hawaii's tourism industry without requiring legislative changes. The resolution also directs that copies be sent to the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Chairperson of the Real Estate Commission, and the Supervising Executive Officer of the Real Estate Commission.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HCR&billnumber=102&year=2025