House panel backs resolution urging real estate exam be offered in Japanese for timeshare salesperson licenses

The House Committee on Tourism voted to pass HCR102 and HR98 on March 20, urging the state Real Estate Commission to allow administration of the real estate salesperson examination in Japanese for the purpose of issuing licenses limited to timeshare products.

Supporters from the timeshare and hospitality industries said the change would increase access for Japanese-speaking residents and help the industry by encouraging qualified Japanese-speaking professionals to obtain a Hawaii license. Linda Rodrigues of the American Resort Development Association told the committee the association would support translation costs and emphasized that the request is limited to exam translation; continuing education and course instruction would remain in English unless separately addressed.

David Watanabe (Hilton Grand Vacations) said the accommodation could encourage Japanese professionals to return or remain in Hawaii and help the industry recover and grow post-pandemic. Testimony filed and offered at the hearing noted the timeshare industry has roughly 98 resorts and 15,000 units in the state.

Committee action Vice Chair Templo called for and the committee adopted the recommendation to pass HCR102/HR98 as written; the chair, vice chair and several members recorded aye votes.

Ending note Proponents said the Real Estate Commission would need to consider translation logistics, test-equating and quality control; the resolution only urges the commission to allow a Japanese-language exam for timeshare salesperson licensing rather than mandating a permanent regulatory change.