Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Housing, to which was referred S.B. No. 2194 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require background checks on applicants for employment as security guards, resident managers, or positions that have or are provided access to keys for entry into units or to funds of a condominium association.

This measure also requires the board of a condominium association to verify the criminal history disclosure made by an applicant for the foregoing positions and specifies that personal information obtained from the applicant will be used only for purposes of conducting the background check.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Hawaii Council of Associations of Apartment Owners and one individual. No testimony in opposition to this measure was received by your Committee.

The law currently provides a condominium association the authority to conduct background checks on certain individuals seeking employment with the association. However, your Committee finds owners and residents remain vulnerable to criminal activities in condominiums that may be deterred through the practice of requiring background checks on these individuals.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2194 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.