STAND. COM. REP. NO. 979

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.B. No. 1439

H.D. 2

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1439, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EVICTION MEDIATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Establish and appropriate funds for a Pre-Litigation Mediation Pilot Program; and

(2) Create and appropriate funds for an Emergency Rent Relief Program.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Human Services, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Planning for Community LLC, Hawai‘i Housing Affordability Coalition, Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Hawai‘i Children's Action Network Speaks!, Papa Ola Lokahi, Permanently Affordable Living Kaua‘i, Hawaii Workers Center, Housing Hawai‘i's Future, and eight individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Judiciary, Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice, and Hawai‘i Association of REALTORS.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1439, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair