HI HCR152

Request the Real Estate Commission to study the effectiveness of its evaluative mediation dispute resolution program for condominium-related disputes that has operated since 2013.

Direct the Commission to evaluate the condominium specialist positions created under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 514B-63 and assess whether they are fulfilling their intended purpose of assisting consumers with information and referral on condominium matters.

Require the Commission to identify program shortcomings and recommend how to improve effectiveness and accessibility of dispute resolution services at little to no additional cost to condominium owners and associations.

Request evaluation of whether the condominium specialist role should be expanded to function similarly to an ombudsman and whether these services should extend to other homeowners associations such as planned community associations and cooperative housing corporations.

Require submission of a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2017 Regular Session convenes.