STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2976

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2908

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 2908, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to prohibit residential rent increases in affected areas for an unspecified period after a severe storm warning or issuance of an emergency proclamation.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency; We Are One, Inc.; Ohana Guardians Group; Tagnawa; Lāhainā Strong; Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action; one member of the Maui County Council; and fifty-five individuals.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawaiʻi Association of REALTORS.

Your Committee finds that emergencies can overwhelm individuals and families, both due to physical housing damage caused by disasters and by predatory pricing in the aftermath of an emergency. Your Committee recognizes that it is critical to prevent behavior such as rental increases and termination of rental agreements in order to prioritize Hawaii's residents in emergency situations. This measure provides protections to renters and tenants during a state of emergency by prohibiting predatory practices.

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. 2908, 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