Hawaii-2020-HB2164-Introduced

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2164
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to condominiums.

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

SECTION 1. Section 514B-65, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§514B-65 Investigative powers. If the commission has reason to believe that any person is violating or has violated this part, part V, section 514B‑103, 514B-123, 514B‑132, 514B‑134, 514B‑149, sections 514B‑152 to 514B‑154, section 514B‑154.5, or the rules of the commission adopted pursuant thereto, the commission may conduct an investigation of the matter and examine the books, accounts, contracts, records, and files of all relevant parties. For purposes of this examination, the developer and the real estate broker shall keep and maintain records of all sales transactions and of the funds received by the developer and the real estate broker in accordance with chapter 467 and the rules of the commission, and shall make the records accessible to the commission upon reasonable notice and demand."

SECTION 2. Section 514B-66, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§514B-66 Cease and desist orders. In addition to its authority under sections 514B‑67 and 514B‑68, whenever the commission has reason to believe that any person is violating or has violated this part, part V, section 514B‑103, 514B-123, 514B‑132, 514B‑134, 514B‑149, sections 514B‑152 to 514B‑154, section 514B‑154.5, or the rules of the commission adopted pursuant thereto, it may issue and serve upon the person a complaint stating its charges in that respect and containing a notice of a hearing at a stated place and upon a day at least thirty days after the service of the complaint. The person served has the right to appear at the place and time specified and show cause why an order should not be entered by the commission requiring the person to cease and desist from the violation of the law or rules charged in the complaint. If the commission finds that this chapter or the rules of the commission have been or are being violated, it shall make a report in writing stating its findings as to the facts and shall issue and cause to be served on the person an order requiring the person to cease and desist from the violations. The person, within thirty days after service upon the person of the report or order, may obtain a review thereof in the appropriate circuit court."

SECTION 3. Section 514B-68, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§514B-68 Power to enjoin. Whenever the commission believes from satisfactory evidence that any person has violated this part, part V, section 514B‑103, 514B-123, 514B‑132, 514B‑134, 514B‑149, sections 514B‑152 to 514B‑154, section 514B‑154.5, or the rules of the commission adopted pursuant thereto, it may conduct an investigation of the matter and bring an action against the person in any court of competent jurisdiction on behalf of the State to enjoin the person from continuing the violation or doing any acts in furtherance thereof."

SECTION 4. Section 514B-69, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§514B-69 Penalties. (a) Any person who violates or fails to comply with this part, part V, section 514B‑103, 514B-123, 514B‑132, 514B‑134, 514B‑149, sections 514B‑152 to 514B‑154, or section 514B‑154.5, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $10,000, or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both. Any person who violates or fails to comply with any rule, order, decision, demand, or requirement of the commission under this part, part V, section 514B‑103, 514B-123, 514B‑132, 514B‑134, 514B‑149, sections 514B‑152 to 514B‑154, or section 514B‑154.5, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $10,000.

(b) In addition to any other actions authorized by law, any person who violates or fails to comply with this part, part V, section 514B‑103, 514B-123, 514B‑132, 514B‑134, 514B‑149, sections 514B‑152 to 514B‑154, section 514B‑154.5, or the rules of the commission adopted pursuant thereto, shall also be subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $10,000 for any violation. Each violation shall constitute a separate offense."

SECTION 5. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

SECTION 6. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________