{"id":372840,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/hawaii-law\/hawaii-antitrust-laws.html"},"modified":"2016-06-20T19:48:39","modified_gmt":"2016-06-21T00:48:39","slug":"hawaii-antitrust-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/hawaii-law\/hawaii-antitrust-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Hawaii Antitrust Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Hawaii Antitrust Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Most consumers only see the products we buy, and rarely get a look at what\u2019s going on behind the scenes in the \u201cfree market.\u201d Therefore, we need to have faith that a few companies aren\u2019t conspiring to set inflated prices, or uniting to artificially control supply. Fellow businesses also want to know that their competitors aren\u2019t colluding in order to undercut competition.<\/p>\r\n

Fortunately for consumers and businesses, the Aloha State has strict laws designed to protect open and transparent markets and make sure pricing is fair. This is a quick introduction to antitrust laws in Hawaii.<\/p>\r\n

Antitrust Laws<\/h2>\r\n

State antitrust laws<\/a> prohibit collusion between companies that could give them an unfair competitive advantage in the consumer market. These laws also block certain mergers and acquisitions in an effort to avoid monopolies in certain industries. In order to enforce these statutes, Hawaii allows private citizens to bring lawsuits against companies for antitrust violations, and the state attorney general may enforce civil and criminal provisions. If a lawsuit is successful, a citizen may recover attorneys\u2019 fees and the cost of filing the lawsuit.<\/p>\r\n

Antitrust Law in Hawaii<\/h2>\r\n

Hawaii\u2019s antitrust statutes are listed below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Antitrust Code Section<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Hawaii Revised Statutes 480-1, et seq.<\/a>: Monopolies; Restraint of Trade<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Is a Private Lawsuit Possible?<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Yes; attorney general shall enforce criminal and civil provisions<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Time Limit to Bring Claim<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

4 yrs.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Can a Successful Plaintiff Recover Attorneys’ Fees?<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Yes<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Antitrust Enforcement<\/h2>\r\n

State antitrust statutes are not the only business regulations<\/a> designed to protect free trade and commerce. The United States government employs the Sherman Act<\/a> and the Clayton Act<\/a> to assist states in prosecuting antitrust claims. These federal statutes bar any interference with the ordinary, competitive pricing system, and prohibit price discrimination, exclusive dealing contracts and mergers that may lessen competition. The Hawaii Attorney General\u2019s Markets and Financial Fraud Division<\/a> enforces antitrust regulations and can receive reports of possible antitrust violations.<\/p>\r\n

Related Resources for Antitrust Laws in Hawaii<\/h2>\r\n

Corporate malfeasance can be complicated. And the laws prohibiting it can be just as difficult to understand. You can consult with an experienced Hawaii antitrust attorney<\/a> in your area if you would like legal help with an antitrust matter, or if you are interested in understanding the rules and regulations regarding your business. And FindLaw\u2019s sections on Consumer Protection<\/a> and Small Business Law<\/a> can provide you with further reading and resources on this topic.<\/p>\r\n

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