HI SB2623

Voids any provision in a Hawaii franchise agreement that restricts jurisdiction or venue to a forum outside of Hawaii for disputes arising under or relating to the franchise.

Requires franchisors engaged in selling franchises in Hawaii to be subject to Hawaii courts' jurisdiction and amenable to service of process in the state.

Addresses the practical hardship to franchisees of litigating out-of-state when disputes typically involve Hawaii-based conduct, witnesses, and evidence.

Allows for consistent development of Hawaiian judicial precedent regarding franchisor-franchisee disputes under Hawaii law.

Takes effect on July 1, 2050.