HI HB68

Amends Section 481B-5.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to prohibit merchants in the State from requiring purchasers to pay additional fees to obtain repairs, replacements, or refunds for goods returned under warranty policies.

Defines "merchant in the State" as a business created under Hawaii law (chapters 414, 414D, 415A, 425, 425E, or 428), authorized to transact business in the State, and possessing a current, unexpired Hawaii general excise tax license.

Clarifies that existing return policies limiting refunds do not apply to goods damaged or defective prior to sale, unless the merchant was aware of the defect and notified the purchaser in writing before the sale.

Effective date is July 1, 2019.