SB 147 Hawaii Senate · 2025 Regular Session

RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS.

Summary
Establishes processes and requirements for associations to impose fines against unit owners, tenants, and guests for violations of the declaration, bylaws, or house rules. Prohibits associations from charging attorneys' fees with respect to any fines that are not deemed collectable. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Mar 2025
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 10, 2025 Last action Mar 6, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

SB147_SD1 SB147_SD2 · 8 edits
MODERATE
This bill updates Hawaii's condominium laws to strengthen due process protections for unit owners and tenants regarding fines and assessments. It establishes clearer procedures for imposing fines, limits when associations can charge attorneys' fees for fines, and modifies how liens and foreclosure proceedings work. The changes aim to balance association enforcement powers with fair dispute resolution opportunities for residents.
Scope change
The bill applies to all condominium associations in Hawaii governed by Chapter 514B, affecting unit owners, tenants, and guests subject to association rules.
REQUIREMENT

Added new section 514B-151 requiring fines to be reasonable and establishing specific notice requirements including description of violations, specific rule citations, and appeal procedures within 30 days.

Modified Section 514B-104 to clarify that associations cannot charge attorneys' fees for fines until fines are deemed collectable.

Modified Section 514B-105 to establish payment priority: common expenses must be paid first before other charges like fines, late fees, or legal fees.

Added new dispute resolution procedures requiring written statements detailing assessment components and mediation options before collection of non-common expense charges.

Added special assessment provisions allowing associations to charge mortgagees or new purchasers for unpaid common expenses from delinquent units.

ENFORCEMENT

Added small claims court jurisdiction for determining fine validity and amount, with appeals to the board required before filing.

Modified Section 514B-146 to prevent foreclosure of liens that arise solely from fines, penalties, late fees, or legal fees, requiring court proceedings for such foreclosures.

TIMELINE

Set effective date of July 1, 2050, which appears to be a placeholder or error given the 2025 legislative session.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
17
Key actions
5
Committee
7
Mar 6, 2025
Committee
Referred to CPC, JHA, referral sheet 19
lower
Mar 4, 2025
Introduced
Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 102) in amended form (SD 2).
lower
Mar 4, 2025
Upper · Passed
Report adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.
upper
Feb 21, 2025
Upper · Passed
The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in JDC were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Chang, San Buenaventura; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) Awa; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Gabbard.
upper
Feb 18, 2025
Upper · Passed
The committee(s) on JDC will hold a public decision making on 02-21-25 10:20AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference.
upper
Feb 14, 2025
Committee
Reported from CPN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 665) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC.
upper
Feb 12, 2025
Upper · Passed
The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in CPN were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Keohokalole, Fukunaga, Richards, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) McKelvey.
upper
Jan 31, 2025
Upper · Passed
The committee(s) on CPN has scheduled a public hearing on 02-05-25 10:00AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.
upper
Jan 17, 2025
Committee
Referred to CPN, JDC.
upper
Jan 15, 2025
Introduced
Introduced and passed First Reading.
upper
Jan 10, 2025
Introduced
Pending Introduction.
upper
3 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors