Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR103

Introduced
3/7/25  
Refer
3/12/25  
Report Pass
4/2/25  

Caption

Requesting The Judiciary To Convene A Working Group To Research Landlord-tenant Issues Specific To Increasing The Supply Of Rental Housing And Improving Landlord-tenant Interactions.

Impact

The resolution aims to significantly alter the landlord-tenant landscape in Hawaii by articulating key concerns and exploring avenues to enhance the existing laws. Establishing a working group involves bringing together stakeholders including legal experts, property owners, and tenant representatives to assess challenges such as legal, financial, and procedural barriers affecting housing supply and tenant relations. The outcomes of this initiative could lead to recommendations for legislative changes that clarify landlord-tenant laws and make the rental landscape more favorable for both tenants and housing providers.

Summary

Senate Resolution 103 requests the Judiciary to convene a working group focused on landlord-tenant issues in Hawaii. With 38.2% of state residents being renters, the resolution acknowledges the critical role of rental housing in meeting the demand of working families and locals. It emphasizes the need to improve the rental supply and enhance the interactions between landlords and tenants, making it simpler for both parties to navigate current regulations. This initiative aims to address the complexities that often deter housing availability and equitable interactions.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SR103 appears to be one of cautious optimism. Supporters believe that the initiative is a positive step toward addressing the ongoing housing crisis, while also fostering a collaborative approach that includes varied perspectives. There is an acknowledgment of the complexities within landlord-tenant relations, and the proposed working group's findings could serve to bridge gaps in understanding between landlords and tenants. However, concerns may exist regarding the breadth of stakeholder representation and whether it accurately encompasses the diverse views of all parties affected by these regulations.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise concerning how effectively the group can identify and address systemic issues in the housing market. While the resolution seeks to promote clarity and stability in landlord-tenant relationships, critics may argue about the adequacy of the composition of the working group and the potential for biases based on the representation. The actual effectiveness of any proposed changes is yet to be determined, as the interplay of individuals' interests in the housing market could resist uniform approaches to landlord-tenant law reform.

Companion Bills

HI HR153

Same As Requesting The Judiciary To Convene A Working Group To Develop Landlord-tenant Code Improvements To Increase The Supply Of Housing In Hawaii.

HI SCR123

Same As Requesting The Judiciary To Convene A Working Group To Review The Residential Landlord-tenant Code To Determine If Any Amendments Or Updates Are Necessary To Improve Landlord-tenant Interactions And Address Other Housing Issues.

Similar Bills

AZ SB1173

Landlord tenant; late period; notice

CA SB381

Residential rental properties: fees.

OR HB3371

Relating to lienholders of a residential tenant's abandoned property.

MT HB800

Revise landlord and tenant laws

AZ HB2839

Landlord tenant; rental amounts

NV SB436

Revises provisions relating to landlords and tenants. (BDR 10-514)

NJ A3259

Requires landlords to provide tenants with certain notice concerning conditions that may cause damage or hazards on rental property.

CA AB414

Residential tenancies: return of security.