HI HB225

Establishes a working group within the Department of the Attorney General to examine squatting issues in Hawaii, including defining squatting behaviors, analyzing circumstances where it occurs (vacant properties, foreclosures, landlord-tenant disputes), and developing prevention strategies

Attorney General serves as chair, with members including directors of law enforcement, human services, and commerce; judiciary representative; police chiefs and prosecutors from each county; public defender; and legislators from both chambers

Working group also includes invited representatives from Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, Honolulu Tenants Union, Hawaii Association of REALTORS, Hawaii Housing Alliance, banking/mortgage industry, and legal experts in landlord-tenant law

Members serve without compensation but receive reimbursement for expenses including travel

Preliminary report due 20 days before the 2026 legislative session, final report due 20 days before the 2027 session; working group ceases to exist June 30, 2027