HI HB981

Caps attorneys' fees and costs at 25% of the recovery amount for plaintiffs in construction defect disputes that are settled out of court

Limits court-awarded attorneys' fees and costs to 25% of the recovery amount for prevailing plaintiffs in construction defect lawsuits that go to trial

Defines "construction defect" as any deficiency in design, specifications, surveying, planning, construction, supervision, or observation of construction of a building or structure

Protects existing contracts from impairment under state and federal constitutional provisions

Effective date set for July 1, 3000 (placeholder date indicating legislative intent to delay implementation)