Filing a Consumer Complaint in Hawaii
How to report a business to the Hawaii Attorney General or consumer agency, and your rights under the state's consumer protection law.
Short answer: To file a consumer complaint about a merchant, business or licensed professional in Hawaii, call the DCCA Consumer Resource Center at 1-844-808-DCCA (3222). Hawaii DCCA, Office of Consumer Protection
| Filing a complaint | To file a consumer complaint about a merchant, business or licensed professional in Hawaii, call the DCCA Consumer Resource Center at 1-844-808-DCCA (3222). The Office of Consumer Protection investigates alleged violations of consumer protection laws and takes legal action against unfair or deceptive practices; it handles complaints about advertising, door-to-door sales, gift certificates, refunds and exchanges, and more. |
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| Unfair and deceptive practices law | Hawaii prohibits unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in trade or commerce (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 480-2). A consumer injured by an unfair or deceptive practice may sue and, if successful, is awarded at least $1,000 or three times actual damages, whichever is greater, plus reasonable attorney's fees and costs, and may seek an injunction. Elders may elect an alternative remedy under § 480-13(b). Source: Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 480-2, 480-13 |
Where to get help in Hawaii
- Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Office of Consumer Protection
- File a complaint or claim
More Hawaii consumer protection
- The Lemon Law in Hawaii
- Your Right to Cancel a Purchase in Hawaii
- Contractors and Repair Shops in Hawaii
- All Hawaii consumer protection rules
FAQ
How do you file a consumer complaint in Hawaii?
To file a consumer complaint about a merchant, business or licensed professional in Hawaii, call the DCCA Consumer Resource Center at 1-844-808-DCCA (3222). The Office of Consumer Protection investigates alleged violations of consumer protection laws and takes legal action against unfair or deceptive practices; it handles complaints about advertising, door-to-door sales, gift certificates, refunds and exchanges, and more.
What is the consumer protection law in Hawaii?
Hawaii prohibits unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in trade or commerce (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 480-2). A consumer injured by an unfair or deceptive practice may sue and, if successful, is awarded at least $1,000 or three times actual damages, whichever is greater, plus reasonable attorney's fees and costs, and may seek an injunction.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.