HI HB955

Replaces criminal penalties under section 231-35 with civil penalties of $1,000 (imposed no more than once per year) for operators and entities that willfully fail to comply with transient accommodation requirements under Act 326, Session Laws of Hawaii 2012.

Requires transient accommodation operators to designate a local contact residing on the same island and provide that contact's information to relevant associations and nongovernmental entities within 60 calendar days of any changes.

Mandates that nongovernmental entities (formed under chapters 514A, 514B, or 421J) provide the department with relevant operator information by December 31 each year or within 60 days of changes in operation or ownership.

Requires the local contact's name and phone number be included in rental agreements and prominently posted at the transient accommodation, and mandates registration identification numbers be displayed in all online advertisements and solicitations.

Directs counties to provide the department with enforcement information, and allows the department to share information with counties for real property tax enforcement purposes.