Report Title:

Time Sharing Plans

Description:

Requires online advertising of transient vacation rentals to include local contact information.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	726
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO TIME SHARING PLANS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that online advertisements of transient vacation rentals do not include sufficient information for consumers to properly evaluate the legitimacy of the offerings for accommodations.  The legislature finds that some online advertisements cloak the identity of the owner, which makes the advertisement virtually anonymous.  Consumers need to have the ability to intelligently evaluate vacation rental offers in order to make an informed decision when purchasing vacation rental accommodations. 

     The purpose of this Act is to require online advertisements of transient vacation rentals to include sufficient information to adequately evaluate the offerings.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 514E, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§514E-   Online advertising; requirements. An online advertisement over the Internet, as defined in section 231-8.6, for transient vacation rentals shall contain:

(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the sales agent;

(2) Identifying information of the developer, acquisition agent, plan manager, or exchange agent, as provided under section 514E-10, including but not limited to the name, phone number, and address of a local contact agent who resides in this State; and

(3) Such other information, as provided in rules adopted by the director, to enable consumers to properly evaluate the legitimacy of an online advertisement."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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