THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1293
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

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

SECTION 1. Chapter 521, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part VI to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§521-   Amount of recovery; federal disaster areas. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, any landlord of a dwelling unit that is located within an area that was a federally declared disaster area as of August 8, 2023, who violates this chapter shall be liable for damages to any tenant affected by the violation. If the judgment is for the plaintiff-tenant, the court shall award:

(1) A sum not less than $1,000 or threefold the plaintiff‑tenant's sustained damages, whichever is greater;

(2) Reasonable attorneys' fees; and

(3) The cost of the civil suit."

SECTION 2. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

Residential Landlord-Tenant Code; Liability; Damages; Amount; Attorney Fees; Federally Declared Disaster Area

Description:

Provides the amount of recovery for tenants who prevail in civil suits for a landlord's violation of the Residential Landlord‑Tenant Code concerning a dwelling unit within an area that was a federally declared disaster area as of 8/8/2023. Provides for reasonable attorneys' fees and recovery for the cost of the suit. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

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