Committee advances SB 2396 to create on‑island agent registry for absentee landlords amid mixed testimony

Supporters urged the committee to adopt SB 2396 to strengthen on‑island agent rules and add penalties for absentee landlords who fail to register local agents. Lindsay Garcia of the Hawaii Realtors stood on written testimony in support. "We stand on our testimony support," she said, and Mishka Salva, testifying as an individual, described how an absentee owner living out of state complicated maintenance and tenant relations.

Salva told senators the bill should include enforcement and short timeframes for registering agents, suggesting a period of "less than 30 days" for compliance. The Hawaii Council of Community Associations filed opposition, arguing that logistics and record‑keeping for multi‑unit properties are different and that condo associations could be tasked to maintain on‑island contact lists. Committee members discussed options to accommodate both small owners and large associations, adopted HCCA‑submitted amendments and recommended passage with a deferred effective date to allow implementation planning.