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Committee delays action on bill to share HPD information with landlords; concerns raised about scope and tenant protections
Summary
Bill 13 (2025) on information-sharing and enforcement related to private real property was postponed for further review after committee members and public commenters raised concerns about scope, posting of hand-carried CD1, and potential effects on tenants and landlords.
The Committee on Public Safety and Customer Services postponed action on Bill 13 (2025), which would add a new article to Honolulu’s code addressing private real property subject to leases or rental agreements, after substantial discussion about scope and protections for tenants.
Council Member Tupole, primary introducer of the hand-carried CD1, said the CD narrows prior language to focus on information-sharing and tools to assist landlords affected by occupants who are illegally present or who create safety nuisances. Tupole described constituent cases where landlords were unable to remove occupants and faced growing fines from DPP, and said the intent is to empower landlords and support enforcement in extreme cases while preserving tenants’ rights.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Gabriel Huntington said the CD1 narrows powers and focuses on HPD sharing information — such as police reports or search-warrant outcomes — with landlords, and the gambling-detail sergeant could dedicate officers to testify in eviction court when appropriate. Huntington emphasized HPD would not carry out evictions; eviction actions remain with civil processes. A remote testifier, Natalie Iwasa, opposed the measure as she understood it and raised concerns that HRS chapter 521 (Residential Landlord-Tenant Code) requires court orders for activity beyond ordinary landlord inspections. She also asked for public posting of the hand-carried CD1 for review prior to hearings.
After discussion about squatting and the CD1’s narrowed scope, Chair Okimono recommended postponing action so members and the public can review the hand-carried changes; the committee postponed the bill to a date and time to be determined.
