HI HR171

Urges the Attorney General to investigate algorithmic price-setting and price-fixing practices in Hawaii's rental housing market, which may be artificially inflating rental prices.

Directs investigation into property management software that collects real-time pricing data and uses algorithms to recommend or set rental prices, potentially reducing competition.

Requests the Attorney General analyze whether algorithmic practices are contributing to rent increases and examine potential collusion among rental property owners.

Requires the Attorney General to submit a report to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2026 Regular Session with findings, recommendations for legislative or regulatory action, and information relevant to addressing Hawaii's affordable housing crisis.

Cites that Hawaii has the highest median rent in the nation, with over half of renters spending more than 30 percent of their income on rent, and notes one property management software company claims its system enables landlords to increase rents by 2 to 5 percent, potentially up to 14.5 percent.