Fair Housing

In Hawaii, the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission (HCRC) has the authority to do which of the following?

AA. Issue real estate licenses

BB. Investigate discrimination complaints, conduct hearings, and award damages for violations of Hawaii's fair housing law✓ Correct

CC. Revoke real estate licenses for fair housing violations

DD. Prosecute criminal fair housing violations only

Explanation

HCRC investigates housing discrimination complaints, holds hearings, and can award damages including actual damages, emotional distress damages, attorney's fees, and civil penalties.

People Also Study

Key Terms to Know

Fair Housing Act

Federal law prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status.

Steering

An illegal practice where a real estate agent directs buyers toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on the buyer's race, religion, national origin, or other protected characteristics.

Blockbusting

An illegal practice of inducing homeowners to sell by claiming that the entry of minority groups will lower property values.

Redlining

An illegal practice where lenders or insurers deny services or charge higher rates in certain neighborhoods based on the racial or ethnic composition of those areas.