HB 1439 Summary

• Establishes a pre-litigation mediation pilot program effective November 1, 2023, extending the notice period for rent non-payment from 5 business days to 10 calendar days before a landlord may file for eviction.

• Requires landlords to provide a 10-calendar-day notice containing specific information (landlord contact details, rent amount due, mediation center contact information) to both tenants and a mediation center offering free landlord-tenant mediation services.

• Mandates that landlords participate in mediation if a tenant schedules it within the 10-calendar-day period; if mediation is scheduled, the landlord may not file a summary possession action until 20 calendar days after the tenant receives the notice.

• Creates an emergency rent relief program administered by the Hawaii Public Housing Authority available only to participants in pre-litigation mediation, with maximum payment limits and flexible payment options (one-time or monthly payments).

• Appropriates unspecified sums for both the mediation pilot program (judiciary) and emergency rent relief program (HPHA) for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025; pilot program sunsets November 1, 2025.