Legislature Considers Bills that Allows Condominiums and Coops to Adopt Rules Prohibiting Smoking

House Bill 34 would amend both the Residential Cooperative Statute and the Hawaii Condominium Act to permit condominiums and coops to prohibit smoking in the common areas and units by rule.  The bill was heard on January 30, 2013, but has been scheduled for further hearing on February 4, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. in House Conference Room 325.

The Senate companion bill, Senate Bill 945 was heard by the Senate Health Committee on January 30, 2013.  The Senate Health Committee passed the bill out of committee with some amendments.  Senate Bill 945 will be referred to the Senate Consumer Protection Committee.

Currently, there is some question whether condominiums can prohibit smoking in units by rule or whether a bylaw amendment would be necessary.