HB1269 Summary

• Amends Hawaii's wage garnishment law to include a cost of living exemption when calculating disposable earnings subject to garnishment.

• Sets the cost of living exemption equal to the most recent self-sufficiency standard for Hawaii for a one-person household as determined by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

• Allows the cost of living exemption to be proactively increased by the defendant upon showing dependents or other factors affecting high cost of living, such as expenses for maintaining employability or professional credentials.

• Requires adjustment of the cost of living exemption using the Honolulu region consumer price index if the self-sufficiency standard has not been updated for at least five years.

• Becomes effective upon approval.