(AP) — Hawaii’s commercial landlords would be prohibited from evicting tenants under a bill that state lawmakers are considering to help businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports that the proposed legislation would prohibit landlords from attempting to collect back rent from businesses for 12 months after the expiration of a final pandemic emergency proclamation. Tenants would be able to terminate leases without penalty if negotiations with landlords to amend contract terms are unsuccessful. The bill has received support from small business owners. Landlords say the bill would limit their ability to negotiate with businesses leasing from them.

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