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Council authorizes civil action, foreclosures tied to code fines and illegal short‑term rental enforcement
Summary
The council adopted committee reports and resolutions authorizing civil actions to take possession of properties and initiate foreclosure proceedings tied to civil fines, and members heard testimony from the property owner’s son who acknowledged operating an illegal short‑term rental.
The Honolulu City Council adopted a series of committee reports and resolutions authorizing civil action to take possession of multiple properties and to collect civil fines, including authorizations tied to foreclosure actions.
Council member Nishimoto moved and the council adopted CR 169 (Resolution 25-133) and CR 170 (Resolution 25-134), authorizing civil action to take possession of properties at 48389 Kamehameha Highway, Kāneʻohe, and 3808 Pocky Avenue, Honolulu. The council also adopted CR 171 (Resolution 25-135) authorizing the Department of Corporation Counsel to initiate foreclosure action against the revocable living trust of Diana Sui Hong Lee to collect civil fines.
Anson Lee, who identified himself as a son of the owner of the property at issue, testified in person and apologized for operating an illegal short-term rental. “I did broke the law and this is the consequence, that I'm paying for,” he said, adding, “If you're doing vacation rental, please comply because I I didn't and that's why I'm I'm paying the price.” Council members questioned whether the family could pay the fines; Council member Kehaino asked, “are you in a position to pay the fines without it going into…?” and the testifier said he was not able to pay a large sum.
Christine Otoza, a remote testifier, urged the council to move forward with the resolution, saying she “strongly urge[d] you to pass this resolution.” Council discussion included reminders from members that the Department of Planning and Permitting had issued Notices of Violation and that enforcement can lead to collection actions; members also noted that DPP has at times worked with residents to find settlements when those residents engaged with the process.
The council recorded no objections and the resolutions authorizing civil actions and foreclosure were adopted. The actions send the matters to the Department of Corporation Counsel and begin the city’s legal efforts to collect outstanding fines and, where authorized, to secure possession of properties.
