Bill > HCR175

This concurrent resolution urges the Attorney General of Hawaii to investigate potential anti-competitive practices in the state's rental housing market, specifically focusing on algorithmic price-setting and price-fixing. The resolution stems from Hawaii's ongoing affordable housing crisis, where over half of renters spend more than 30% of their income on rent, and national reports suggest that property management software may be artificially inflating rental prices. The Attorney General is asked to examine the use of property management software that collects real-time pricing data, analyzes the role of algorithms in recommending rental prices, investigates potential collusion among rental property owners, and assesses the impact of these practices on housing affordability. The resolution requests a comprehensive report detailing whether these algorithmic practices contribute to rising rental prices, recommending potential legislative or regulatory actions, and providing insights to help address the housing crisis. The Attorney General is expected to submit this report no later than twenty days before the 2026 Regular Legislative Session, with the ultimate goal of ensuring a competitive and fair rental housing market that protects consumers from potential anti-competitive practices.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HCR&billnumber=175&year=2025