HB 848 Summary

• Modernizes Hawaii's civil relief protections for state military forces by conforming Chapter 657D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to the federal Servicemember's Civil Relief Act (SCRA).

• Adds new protections including: service members' right to terminate certain contracts (telecommunications, internet, television, gym memberships, satellite radio) upon receiving military relocation orders for 90+ days; protection of service members against default judgments; child custody protections; and restrictions on life insurance policy assignments during military service.

• Expands definitions of "military service" to include federal active duty orders and periods of absence for sickness, wounds, or leave; creates new "service member" terminology and expands protections to dependents and persons ordered to report for military service.

• Establishes new provisions for residential and motor vehicle lease terminations by service members receiving deployment or relocation orders; limits eviction of service members and dependents from residential premises with rent under a specified threshold during military service.

• Waives filing fees and court costs for service members or others enforcing rights under Chapter 657D; creates private right of action and authorizes Attorney General enforcement against pattern or practice violations; establishes maximum interest rates of six percent on pre-service debts.