Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR220

Introduced
3/10/23  
Refer
3/15/23  
Refer
3/28/23  
Report Pass
4/4/23  
Engrossed
4/5/23  

Caption

Urging The County Of Maui To Immediately And Substantially Increase The Fines Assessed Against Predatory Cosmetics Establishments For Violating The Maui County Historic Districts Ordinance.

Impact

The bill seeks to address the community's growing frustrations regarding the aggressive sales tactics of these cosmetics stores and the apparent lack of enforcement of existing laws. Given that previous legislative attempts failed to effectively tackle these issues at a local level, SCR220 proposes a more targeted approach. The Maui County Charter was amended in 2022, removing the $1,000 cap on civil fines, thereby allowing for a framework wherein the fines can be significantly increased to deter future violations and address the predatory behavior more effectively.

Summary

SCR220, introduced in the 32nd Legislature of Hawaii, is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging Maui County to substantially increase fines against predatory cosmetics establishments that violate the Maui County Historic Districts Ordinance. This ordinance specifically prohibits any business solicitation on sidewalks in designated historic districts, particularly in Lahaina, which has been subject to aggressive and inappropriate marketing tactics by some cosmetics stores. The resolution arises out of numerous complaints from residents and visitors who have experienced harassment and intimidation from sales personnel of these establishments.

Contention

Supporters of SCR220 argue that higher fines will not only penalize the offending businesses but also serve as a financial deterrent to prevent further violations. Enhanced enforcement capabilities can be funded through the collected fines, allowing for additional inspectors dedicated to ensuring compliance with local ordinances. Critics, however, may express concerns regarding the balance between regulation and free enterprise, particularly in a region dependent on tourism where aggressive marketing is often viewed as part of the business strategy.

Resolution

Should SCR220 pass, it would empower the County of Maui to enforce stricter regulations and potentially pursue judicial remedies against these business establishments. This would symbolize a proactive stance against what the community has deemed unacceptable practices and enhance protections for residents and visitors in historic district areas.

Companion Bills

HI SR158

Same As Urging The County Of Maui To Immediately And Substantially Increase The Fines Assessed Against Predatory Cosmetics Establishments For Violating The Maui County Historic Districts Ordinance.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR117

Urging The County Of Maui To Adopt A Financially Prudent Budget For Fiscal Year 2024-2025 That Maintains Current Operational Levels Except For Certain Mandatory Or Critical Increases.

HI HR98

Urging The County Of Maui To Adopt A Financially Prudent Budget For Fiscal Year 2024-2025 That Maintains Current Operational Levels Except For Certain Mandatory Or Critical Increases.

HI SCR167

Urging The Department Of Health And Encouraging The County Of Maui, United States Army Corps Of Engineers, And Federal Emergency Management Agency To Take Certain Measures To Ensure The Safest Possible Management Of Ash And Debris From The August 2023 Maui Wildfires.

HI HCR48

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu, County Of Maui, And County Of Kauai Pass Ordinances Similar To The County Of Hawaii's Bill 82 (2023-2024) Relating To Improving Private Roads.

HI SB2824

Relating To The County Of Maui.

HI HR37

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu, County Of Maui, And County Of Kauai Pass Ordinances Similar To The County Of Hawaii's Bill 82 (2023-2024) Relating To Improving Private Roads.

HI SB598

Relating To County Ordinances.

HI SB2723

Relating To County Ordinances.

HI SCR6

Approving The Dedication Of Kukuia Street, Lahaina, Hawaii, To The County Of Maui.

HI SCR203

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources, Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development, And County Of Maui To Inventory And Map Existing R-1 Water Delivery Systems And Reservoirs In Maui County.

Similar Bills

AZ SB1262

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HI SR158

Urging The County Of Maui To Immediately And Substantially Increase The Fines Assessed Against Predatory Cosmetics Establishments For Violating The Maui County Historic Districts Ordinance.

HI HR104

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HI SR71

Urging The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Combat Hostile And Harmful Actions By Profit-driven Investors And Aggregators Participating In The State's Low-income Housing Tax Credit Program.

HI SCR78

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HI HCR108

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