STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3222

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    H.B. No. 2508

       H.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 2508, H.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COLLECTION AGENCIES,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to strengthen the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' oversight of exempt out-of-state collection agencies.

 

     Specifically, this measure:

 

     (1)  Clarifies qualification and enforcement provisions for exempt out-of-state collection agencies; and

 

     (2)  Increases fines for collection agencies governed under chapter 443B, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

 

     Your Committee finds that, between 2004 and 2011, the number of exempt out-of-state collection agencies operating in Hawaii more than doubled, while the number of registered collection agencies remained relatively stable.  Your Committee also finds that additional regulatory provisions are warranted to ensure that Hawaii consumers are afforded certain safeguards when contacted by an exempt agency.  Your Committee believes that this measure will enable the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to adequately oversee the growing number of exempt out-of-state collection agencies in a manner that protects Hawaii's consumers, while also preserving the reciprocal benefits of exempt out-of-state collection agencies.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2508, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

 

 

 

____________________________

DAVID Y. IGE, Chair