HAR § 12-46 § 12-46-2
Purpose.
Operative Text
(a) This subchapter sets forth the procedures for the administration and enforcement of chapters 368, 489, 515 and part I of chapter 378, HRS. These rules shall be liberally construed to accomplish the purposes of these chapters. [Eff 12/31/90] (Auth: HRS §368-3) (Imp: HRS §368-3)
HAR § 12-46-2 establishes the administrative and enforcement framework for several Hawaii statutes addressing civil rights, discriminatory practices, and fair housing, specifically chapters 368, 489, 515, and part I of chapter 378 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. The provision directs that the rules within this subchapter be interpreted broadly and flexibly in order to carry out the underlying purposes of those chapters. This sets the interpretive tone for all procedures that follow within the subchapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under HAR § 12-46-2, the rules governing enforcement of Hawaii's fair housing and antidiscrimination statutes are designed to be read expansively, meaning that property owners and managers should expect regulators to interpret procedural requirements in ways that favor the protective goals of chapters 368, 489, 515, and part I of chapter 378. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with all subchapter procedures, understanding that ambiguities in those rules are likely resolved in favor of the statutes' civil rights purposes. Staying current with guidance issued under this subchapter helps operators align their practices with the intended scope of these laws.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
HAR § 12-46-2 signals that the procedures used to enforce Hawaii's antidiscrimination and fair housing laws — found in chapters 368, 489, 515, and part I of chapter 378 — are meant to be applied in a manner that advances those laws' protective purposes. This liberal construction principle can be relevant when a complaint is filed or a proceeding is initiated, as it shapes how enforcement bodies interpret the rules. Tenants who believe their rights under these chapters have been violated may consider reaching out to a tenant-rights organization or the relevant Hawaii civil rights agency to understand how this subchapter's procedures apply to their circumstances.
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
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