14 West Hawaii Real Estate | February 2, 2018 2018 Realtor Association Legislative Agenda By Lance Owens RS – President of the West Hawaii Association of Realtors As 2018 president for West Hawaii Association of Realtors, my first official duty was to fly to Oahu and visit with our legislators at the State Capitol. You can only imagine as a president visiting the State Capitol, I felt my first duty was to send out a “tweet.” Once that was completed, I was ready for business. The focus of Hawaii Association of Realtors for 2018 is on consumer protection, and there are four issues that will be presented as bills in this legislative session. As 2018 president for West Hawaii Association of Realtors, my first official duty was to fly to Oahu and visit with our legislators at the State Capitol. You can only imagine as a president visiting the State Capitol, I felt my first duty was to send out a “tweet.” Once that was completed, I was ready for business. 1. Short-Term Rentals The popularity of Short-Term Vacation Rentals has grown enormously in the last few years and jurisdictions across the country are dealing with this issue that continues to divide despite well-intended dialogue and discussions from numerous stakeholders. The current laws and regulations are very difficult to understand and there are various components under different Chapters, such as the Landlord-Tenant Code, Transient Accommodations Tax, and Real Estate Broker and Salesperson. This confusion makes it challenging to enforce if no one understands the laws and is equally difficult for those trying to follow the law to comply. Hawaii Realtors is introducing separate legislation to protect consumers by requiring a real estate licensee to be involved in certain Short-Term Vacation Rental situations, and to provide added enforcement mechanisms for Short-Term Vacation Rentals. 2. Handyman Exemption Currently at $1,000 is completely out of line with today’s marketplace. Hawaii Realtors is looking to increase this to $5,000, which is also in line with small claims court “claims.” This bill is 100 percent aimed at protecting the consumer. 3. Late Occupancy This will give buyers the same the same rights as sellers, if the seller were to occupy the property after the close of escrow. 4. Rental Application Screening Fees With lack of inventory and a limited supply of rental housing, there are challenges tenants face in securing a rental property. Likewise, landlords (or landlord agents) incur costs to properly vet potential tenants. A balanced approach is needed to ensure that prospective tenants, landlords, or landlord’s agents are provided reasonable guidance in the rental application screening fee process. Hawaii Realtors is introducing legislation that will limit the amount charged for an application screening fee to $25. The bill enhances consumer protections by prohibiting a landlord or landlord’s agent from collecting an application screening fee if they know or should have known no property was available. It allows an applicant, who is the subject of the credit report, to inspect or be provided a copy of the consumer credit report in person during reasonable business hours. It allows the same application screening fee to be used for other residential properties that the landlord or landlord’s agent manages for up to three months. This helps a tenant who applies to multiple properties from being charged additional costs with the same company. West Hawaii Association of Realtors is the voice of real estate in West Hawaii. We enhance member professionalism through relevant education and services. Photo by Daniel Ramirez KONA CROSSROADS SHOPPING CENTER 75-1027 Henry Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 ONLY 2 SPACES AVAILABLE FOR OFFICE OR RETAIL • 75 square foot retail • 1,800 square foot offi ce or retail This high traffic center anchored by Safeway is in Kailua-Kona Town and has lots of free parking. With easy access to both Palani Road and Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway this clean and thriving center is the perfect spot for your business to increase sales volume. Debbie Parmley (B) CCIM Vice President | Hawaii License No. RB-21953 Leasing Services – Island of Hawaii Direct +1 808 987 7722 Main +1 808 524 2666 debbie.parmley@colliers.com For details on all listings visit, DebbieParmley.com
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