Haw. Rev. Stat. § 515 § 515-19
Public contractors.
Operative Text
Upon receiving a certification made under section 515-13(c), a contracting agency may take appropriate action to: (1) Terminate a contract or portion thereof previously entered into with the respondent, either absolutely or on condition that the respondent carry out a program of compliance with this chapter; and (2) Assist the State and all counties, and agencies thereof, to refrain from entering into further contracts, or extensions or other modifications of existing contracts, with the respondent until the commission is satisfied that the respondent will carry out policies in compliance with this chapter. [L 1967, c 193, §19; HRS §515-19; am L 1982, c 204, §8; am L 1989, c 386, §16]
Hawaii Revised Statutes § 515-19 addresses what can happen to public contractors who have been found in violation of the state's fair housing and anti-discrimination laws. Once a contracting agency receives a certification of noncompliance under § 515-13(c), it is authorized to terminate existing contracts with the violating party—either outright or conditionally upon the respondent adopting a compliance program. The provision also allows the agency to help steer the State, counties, and their agencies away from entering into new contracts or modifying existing ones with that respondent until the relevant commission is satisfied that the respondent will comply with Chapter 515.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Businesses and property owners who hold public contracts in Hawaii should be aware that § 515-19 gives contracting agencies significant leverage when a discrimination finding is certified under § 515-13(c). A compliant operator generally maintains documented fair-housing policies, trains staff on Chapter 515 requirements, and responds promptly to any commission inquiries to avoid triggering contract termination or debarment from future public contracts. Demonstrating an active, good-faith compliance program is a key factor in whether a contracting agency imposes absolute termination or a conditional remedy.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For tenants who believe a public contractor has engaged in discriminatory housing practices covered by Chapter 515, § 515-19 provides an additional layer of accountability beyond individual remedies. After a certification of noncompliance is issued under § 515-13(c), the contracting agency can act to suspend or terminate the respondent's public contracts, which may reinforce other enforcement actions. Tenants can explore filing a complaint with the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, which administers Chapter 515, or consult a tenant-rights organization to understand how this provision may interact with other available remedies.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 23, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation