Bill > HB1646

This bill amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 368F to allow courts to award attorneys' fees and costs to the winning party in lawsuits concerning discrimination in rental transactions based on a person's "source of income," which refers to how a renter pays for housing, such as through housing choice vouchers. Currently, federal law does not protect against this type of discrimination, which disproportionately affects certain vulnerable groups, and Hawaii law already prohibits it but does not allow for the recovery of legal costs, making it difficult for individuals to find legal representation and pursue their cases. By enabling the court to award attorneys' fees, this bill aims to encourage legal professionals to take on these discrimination cases and increase the likelihood that those who have experienced source-of-income discrimination can secure justice.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1646&year=2026