STAND. COM. REP. NO. 991-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1897

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 1897, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CONDOMINIUM ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to amend the conditions and procedures for resolving various condominium-related disputes.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Law Offices of Mark K. McKellar, LLLC; Community Associations Institute; and six individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Honolulu Tower and two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawaiʻi Real Estate Commission and Associa.

Your Committee finds that condominium disputes often escalate due to fragmented procedures that are applied inconsistently and difficult for associations and unit owners to navigate. Your Committee further finds that unclear procedures for fines, outdated dispute resolution pathways, and uneven standards for mediation and arbitration contribute to delays, increased costs, and preventable conflict within condominium communities. This measure strengthens fairness, increases transparency, and provides a more dependable framework for resolving condominium related disputes.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1897, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair