Haw. Rev. Stat. § 516D § 516D-11.5
Civil penalty.
Operative Text
Failure to furnish disclosures substantially complying with the requirements of section 516D-11 shall entitle the buyer to the recovery of a civil penalty of $1,000 in any proceeding at law brought within one year of the violation and the violator shall be liable further for the actual damages of the buyer, if any, reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs. [L 1991, c 276, §7]
Hawaii Revised Statutes § 516D-11.5 establishes a civil penalty for sellers or other parties who fail to provide disclosures that substantially comply with the requirements of § 516D-11. When such a failure occurs, the buyer is entitled to recover a fixed civil penalty of $1,000, plus any actual damages suffered, reasonable attorneys' fees, and court costs. Any legal proceeding to recover this penalty must be initiated within one year of the violation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 516D-11.5, property owners and managers involved in covered transactions should ensure that all disclosures required by § 516D-11 are prepared and delivered in a manner that substantially complies with the statute's requirements. Compliant operators typically document the disclosure process carefully, retaining records that demonstrate timely and complete delivery to the buyer. Failure to meet these standards exposes the disclosing party to a $1,000 civil penalty, actual damages, attorneys' fees, and court costs.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 516D-11.5 gives buyers a legal right to pursue a $1,000 civil penalty—plus actual damages, attorneys' fees, and court costs—if the required disclosures under § 516D-11 were not substantially provided. This right must be exercised by filing a proceeding at law within one year of the violation. Buyers who believe disclosures were inadequate may wish to consult a tenant-rights or consumer-rights organization, or review their options with a licensed attorney familiar with Hawaii housing law.
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