HI SR158

Urges the County of Maui to immediately and substantially increase fines against predatory cosmetics establishments for violating the Maui County Historic Districts Ordinance, which prohibits soliciting business on streets or sidewalks in the Lahaina historic district.

Addresses ongoing complaints from residents and visitors regarding aggressive sales tactics by cosmetics store personnel on Front Street in Lahaina, including accosting passersby, following people down the street, and unsolicited product application.

Notes that a previous settlement agreement between the county and the parent company of these cosmetics stores has been repeatedly violated and inadequately enforced by county officials.

Cites the 2022 amendment to the Maui County Charter that removed the $1,000 cap on civil fines, enabling the county to levy significantly higher penalties as a realistic financial deterrent to violations.

Urges the County of Maui to pursue all applicable judicial remedies, including fines and punitive damages, against the predatory cosmetics stores for their repeated violations of the settlement agreement.