HI HR104

Requests the Real Estate Commission to study the effectiveness of its existing evaluative mediation dispute resolution process and consumer assistance program for condominium owners and associations.

Directs the Real Estate Commission to evaluate the successes and shortcomings of the evaluative mediation program and recommend amendments to increase effectiveness and accessibility at little to no additional cost.

Requires the Commission to assess whether condominium specialists appointed under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 514B-63 are fulfilling their intended purpose and whether they can perform ombudsman-like functions.

Asks the Commission to consider whether dispute resolution services and condominium specialist responsibilities should be expanded to cover other types of homeowners associations, including planned community associations and cooperative housing corporations.

Requires the Real Estate Commission to submit a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2017 Regular Session convenes.