HI HB164

Requires arbitrators to disclose "direct and material" financial or personal interests in arbitration outcomes before accepting appointment (revised from broader disclosure requirement).

Requires arbitrators to disclose "substantial" existing or past relationships with parties, counsel, witnesses, or other arbitrators (revised from broader disclosure requirement).

Imposes continuing obligation on arbitrators to disclose facts learned after appointment that could affect impartiality.

Allows courts to vacate awards if they determine an arbitrator failed to disclose required facts, potentially constituting evident partiality under Hawaii law.

Eliminates the presumption that non-disclosure of known, direct, and material interests or substantial relationships automatically constitutes evident partiality; court must make that determination.