Haw. Rev. Stat. § 516 § 516-68
Rights to self-organization; remedies.
Operative Text
Lessees in a development tract shall have the right of self-organization and the right to form, join, or assist each other in forming associations for their mutual benefit or to select representatives of their choosing to engage in bargaining with their lessor or to secure other mutual aid or protection as may be necessary or desirable with respect to their respective leasehold interests. No lessor or agent of the lessor shall interfere with, restrain, or coerce any lessee in the exercise of the rights granted by this section or dominate or attempt to control the formation of any such organization. Neither the lessor nor the organization or the duly authorized representative of a majority of the lessees shall refuse to bargain collectively in good faith with each other. In the event of any such refusal or violation of this section, either party may file a complaint with the Hawaii housing finance and development corporation, and the corporation, after due notice of hearing and hearings, may issue such cease and desist orders as shall be meet and just in the light of the evidence adduced. [L 1967, c 307, §41; HRS §516-68; am L 1987, c 337, §16; am L 1988, c 104, §2; am L 1997, c 350, §14; am L 2005, c 196, §26(b); am L 2006, c 180, §16]
Hawaii Revised Statutes § 516-68 establishes that lessees within a development tract have the right to organize collectively, form associations, choose representatives, and engage in good-faith bargaining with their lessor regarding their leasehold interests. The provision prohibits lessors and their agents from interfering with, restraining, or coercing lessees in exercising these rights, and it bars either side from refusing to bargain collectively in good faith. When a violation occurs, either party may file a complaint with the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, which has authority to issue cease and desist orders after conducting hearings.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 516-68, compliant lessors and their agents refrain from any conduct that interferes with, restrains, or coerces lessees who are organizing or selecting bargaining representatives within a development tract. Operators generally engage in good-faith collective bargaining when approached by a duly authorized representative of a lessee majority, rather than refusing or stonewalling the process. Lessors should be aware that either party may bring a complaint before the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, which can issue cease and desist orders if a violation is found.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 516-68 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes gives lessees in a development tract the protected right to form associations, choose representatives, and bargain collectively with their lessor over leasehold interests. If a lessor or the lessor's agent interferes with those rights or refuses to bargain in good faith, lessees may file a complaint directly with the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, which can hold hearings and issue cease and desist orders. Tenants who believe their organizing rights have been violated may also consider reaching out to a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office familiar with Hawaii leasehold law for general information about available options.
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.
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