HB 661 Summary

• Adds definitions to Hawaii law for "active duty," "military service," "period of military service," and "service member" relating to mortgage foreclosure protections.

• Allows circuit courts to stay foreclosure by action proceedings until six months after a service member's military service ends, or issue equitable orders, if the service member entered the mortgage before active duty or is deployed overseas and military service materially affects their ability to pay.

• Declares any foreclosure by power of sale invalid if conducted during a service member's military service period or within six months after, unless ordered by circuit court, provided the service member entered the mortgage before service or is deployed overseas.

• Imposes a $2,000 civil fine on any person who knowingly forecloses, sells, or attempts to foreclose or sell property in violation of these protections.

• Authorizes the attorney general to file civil actions to collect penalties for violations.