Police Escort for Landlords Inspecting for Nuisance

(a) Authority. An owner or landlord of private property with the right to inspect may request the department to escort the owner or landlord during the inspection of the property for nuisance, pursuant to the terms of the rental agreement. The request must be submitted to the department by the owner or landlord in writing. The chief of police may approve or deny the request. If the request is approved by the chief of police, a police officer may escort the owner or landlord to inspect the property as provided by the right to inspect in accordance with subsection (c). (b) Request form. The request must be sworn on a form provided by the department that includes: (1) The address of the private property; (2) The name of the lessee, tenant, or renter; (3) A copy of the current lease or rental agreement of the private property, or a statement that the current lease or rental agreement is oral; (4) A statement of the need for police support with regard to the private property and, based on the information and belief of the owner or landlord, a description of the nature of the nuisance that has occurred or that may be occurring on the property; and (5) A request that a police officer be allowed to enter the property with the owner or landlord. (c) Inspection supported by police officer. A police officer authorized to escort the owner or landlord pursuant to a request granted under subsection (a) may escort the owner or landlord during the inspection of the real property; provided that the inspection complies with the lease, rental agreement, or HRS Chapter 521. The lessee or renter may withhold consent as provided in the lease, rental agreement, or HRS Chapter 521. (d) Powers of police officer on inspection. In conducting an inspection authorized under this article, the police officer may: (1) At the owner’s or landlord’s request, warn persons not specifically authorized to be present in the lease or rental agreement to leave and not return pursuant to HRS § 708-814; and (2) Document any violations of law, unsafe conditions, or violations of the lease or rental agreement. (e) Limitations. Nothing in the section will be interpreted to limit preexisting law enforcement powers. (f) Records. All designations approved under subsection (a) must be retained by the department for at least _ years.