Hawaii House Bill HB2088

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/24
• Refer: 1/24/24

Caption

Relating To Condominiums.

Impact

This legislation will modify Chapter 521 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, stipulating that tenants who prevail in lawsuits for code violations are entitled to recover significant damages, including threefold damages along with attorney's fees and costs. By empowering renters with the ability to recover substantial costs, the bill aims to alleviate the financial barriers that often prevent individuals from pursuing justice against wrongful practices in their condominium associations.

Summary

House Bill 2088 aims to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding condominiums in Hawaii by increasing accountability for condominium association boards and providing greater protections for renters. It recognizes the existing power imbalance where boards can levy fines and impose actions against owners without sufficient oversight. The bill seeks to hold landlords accountable for violations of the residential landlord-tenant code, ensuring renters are better protected from unfair treatment.

Contention

Another critical component of HB2088 is the establishment of a Condominium Association Board Oversight Task Force, mandated to enhance transparency and governance within condominium associations. This task force will address whether additional regulations are necessary and will evaluate existing grievance processes for renters and owners. The task force's findings will be reported to the legislature, which could introduce further legislative actions based on its recommendations. Such measures reflect an ongoing dialogue about balancing landlord rights with the need for tenant protections, avoiding potential pushback from property owners who may view these changes as burdensome.