HRS §437-57
Rules for warranty and incentive audits and chargebacks
This section limits when a manufacturer or distributor can audit or charge back a dealer for previously paid warranty or incentive payments. It sets a one-year time limit, requires written notice before a chargeback, and allows the dealer to protest and go to court. Fraudulent claims are not protected.
The statute, as written — Warranty and incentive audits
(a) No manufacturer or distributor shall conduct a warranty or incentive audit on previously paid claims or chargeback any warranty or incentive payment previously made more than one year after the date the manufacturer or distributor made the payment to the dealer. This section shall not apply to fraudulent claims. (b) A manufacturer or distributor shall not chargeback a dealer for sales or warranty payments unless the manufacturer or distributor can satisfy its burden of proof that the dealer's claim was fraudulent or that the dealer did not substantially comply with the reasonable written procedures of the manufacturer or distributor. (c) The manufacturer or distributor shall provide the dealer a written notice thirty days before imposing a proposed chargeback. The dealer may protest the imposition of a proposed chargeback prior to the imposition of a proposed chargeback. The dealer, manufacturer, or distributor shall conduct any internal dispute resolution process in accordance with the franchise agreement. After the internal dispute resolution process is concluded, the dealer may file a petition in the manner prescribed in section 437-51 protesting the proposed chargeback amount. If a petition is filed, the proposed chargeback shall be stayed during the entirety of the action and until a final judgment has been rendered.
Sections this one refers to
§437-51 How disputes between dealers and manufacturers are heard
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