The Condominium Property Regime Task Force discussed extensive public testimony on creating a condominium ombudsman office for Hawaii and acknowledged that current Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) and Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO) functions may be insufficient. Members and testifiers referenced models from other states such as Nevada and California’s Davis‑Stirling Act, and suggested options including a new ombudsman office, expanding RICO authority, and enhancing data collection and mediation support. Chairperson Nerney asked Task Force members to compile a list of existing DCCA functions to compare against the potential role of a condominium ombudsman, using specific 2026 bills (HB 2453 and SB 3309) as starting points, indicating structured policy and program design work ahead.This creates a pre-RFP planning environment for legal, policy, program design, dispute resolution, and data/IT consulting services that could help define workflows, enforcement tools, performance metrics, and systems for an eventual ombudsman or expanded regulatory framework.

Vendors with experience designing ombudsman programs, regulatory frameworks, case management systems, and ADR/mediation programs in other states (e.g., Nevada, California) may find this particularly relevant as the Task Force develops recommendations based on HB 2453 and SB 3309.