Status as of 5/2/25:
This bill has successfully passed final floor votes. It now will go to the Governor to sign into law.
Why Hawaiʻi YIMBY Support This Bill:
An increase in frivolous, time and resource-consuming lawsuits has slowed or stopped new housing production with overly broad claims of construction defects. These lawsuits add time and costs to homes, that get passed on to homebuyers. False defect claims on new homes make them more costly to insure for homebuyers. Potential homebuyers are excluded from low-interest, government backed loans due to these kinds of lawsuits, putting homeownership out of reach for many who cannot secure a large downpayment.
This bill seeks to further clarify and embolden the existing Contractor Repair Act. Homebuilders are, and will continue to be, held to a high standard of quality for the homes that they build. Homebuyers will have a clear pathway when they encounter legitimate defects to their home that will result in a more timely and fair repair.
Bill Description:
- Clarifies that the statute of repose applies to contract, tort, and statutory claims. Clarifies the required contents of a notice of claim of a construction defect served on a contractor. Clarifies the process and time frame by which a claimant may accept or reject a contractor's offer to settle and authorize repairs. Clarifies the mediation process for construction defect claims. Clarifies the statute of limitation or repose for construction defect claims. (CD1)
This page will be updated periodically throughout the legislative session. For the most up-to-date status, please visit the bill's page on the Hawai'i State Legislature's website.