HRS §708-871
What counts as false advertising and its penalty
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗This law makes it a crime to knowingly or carelessly put false or misleading statements in ads to sell things or services. It also explains what counts as misleading, like offering something you don't intend to sell. Breaking this law is a misdemeanor.
businesses
The statute, as written — False advertising
A copy, taken August 20, 2026. The version published by the Legislature is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.
(1) A person commits the offense of false advertising if, in connection with the promotion of the sale of property or services, the person knowingly or recklessly makes or causes to be made a false or misleading statement in any advertisement addressed to the public or to a substantial number of persons. (2) "Misleading statement" includes an offer to sell property or services if the offeror does not intend to sell or provide the advertised property or services: (a) At the price equal to or lower than the price offered; (b) In a quantity sufficient to meet the reasonably-expected public demand, unless quantity is specifically stated in the advertisement; or (c) At all. (3) False advertising is a misdemeanor.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.