Haw. Rev. Stat. § 515 § 515-7
Blockbusting.
Operative Text
It is a discriminatory practice for a person, representative of a person, or a real estate broker or salesperson, for the purpose of inducing a real estate transaction from which the person, representative, or real estate broker or salesperson may benefit financially, because of race, sex, including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, color, religion, marital status, familial status, ancestry, disability, age, or human immunodeficiency virus infection: (1) To represent that a change has occurred or will or may occur in the composition of the owners or occupants in the block, neighborhood, or area in which the real property is located; or (2) To represent that this change will or may result in the lowering of property values, an increase in criminal or antisocial behavior, or a decline in the quality of schools in the block, neighborhood, or area in which the real property is located. [L 1967, c 193, §7; HRS §515-7; am L 1971, c 124, §4; am L 1976, c 159, §7; gen ch 1985; am L 1990, c 275, §7; am L 1992, c 33, §5 and c 171, §7; am L 2005, c 214, §7]
Hawaii Revised Statutes § 515-7 prohibits a form of housing discrimination known as 'blockbusting.' Under this provision, it is unlawful for any person, real estate broker, or salesperson to make representations about a neighborhood's changing demographic composition—based on characteristics such as race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected classes—when those representations are intended to financially benefit the speaker by prompting a real estate transaction. The rule covers both claims that a demographic change is occurring and claims that such a change will lead to falling property values, increased crime, or declining school quality.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Hawaii should be aware that § 515-7 applies broadly to anyone involved in real estate transactions, not just licensed brokers. Compliant operators avoid making any statements—whether in marketing, negotiations, or casual conversation—that link neighborhood demographic shifts to negative outcomes such as property devaluation or rising crime. Keeping communications focused on objective property characteristics, rather than the identity of current or prospective neighbors, reflects the standard of conduct this provision establishes.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Hawaii Revised Statutes § 515-7 gives tenants and prospective buyers protection against manipulative scare tactics designed to pressure them into or out of a real estate transaction based on who their neighbors are or might be. If a broker, landlord, or their representative makes statements suggesting that a neighborhood is changing in ways tied to protected characteristics—and implies negative consequences as a result—that conduct may constitute a discriminatory practice under this provision. Individuals who believe they have encountered such behavior can report it to the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission or consult a tenant-rights organization to understand available complaint and enforcement pathways.
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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