Bill > SCR123

This joint resolution requests the Hawaii Judiciary to establish a three-year working group to review and potentially update the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code, with the goal of improving interactions between landlords and tenants and addressing broader housing issues. The working group would be composed of key stakeholders including the Chief Justice, legislative leaders, the Attorney General, consumer protection representatives, legal experts, property owners, professional property managers, and tenant advocates. Their comprehensive review would examine the current code, explore enforcement mechanisms, identify problem areas affecting property managers and tenants, consider potential statutory processes for injunctive relief, and develop educational resources or solutions. The group is required to convene its first meeting by July 1, 2025, and submit an initial report to the Legislature twenty days before the 2026 Regular Session. The resolution highlights the significance of this effort by noting that 38.2 percent of Hawaii residents are renters and that clarifying landlord-tenant laws could reduce court cases and provide more certainty for housing providers while ensuring fair treatment for tenants.

Business and Industry, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SCR&billnumber=123&year=2025