HI SB1379

Repeals Hawaii Revised Statutes section 321-486.3, which previously imposed tiered penalties of $100, $500, and $1,000 per day for unlicensed care home operation based on violation number.

Clarifies that unlicensed care home operators are subject to the penalty under section 321-20(1), which allows administrative penalties up to $1,000 per day regardless of prior violations.

Addresses the confusion between two conflicting penalty provisions, with the $1,000 daily cap under section 321-20 providing a stronger deterrent against operators who charge up to $8,000 monthly per client.

Findings note the Department of Health investigated 221 alleged unlicensed care homes in 48 months, assessed $2,489,800 in penalties, closed 11 homes, and has 89 investigations pending or underway.

Effective date: July 1, 2050.