STAND. COM. REP. NO. 867

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 327

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 327, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HOUSING DISCRIMINATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to allow counties to prohibit discrimination against renters based on their source of income.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawai‘i Civil Rights Commission, Hawai‘i Health & Harm Reduction Center, Hawai‘i Children's Action Network Speaks!, and two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawai‘i Association of REALTORS.

Your Committee finds that the cost of housing in Hawaii is among the highest in the country. Many in the State rely on housing assistance programs and vouchers to afford safe and decent housing. This measure allows counties to combat discriminatory practices that prevent those who rely on housing assistance programs from finding appropriate housing.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 327, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

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KARL RHOADS, Chair