STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA

NADINE Y. ANDO
DIRECTOR KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HONOLULU — The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)
commemorated National Consumer Protection Week by hosting its 21st Consumer
Protection Week Fair today at the historic Hawai‘i State Capitol. This significant event,
dedicated to raising awareness about consumer rights and countering frauds and
scams, served as an opportunity to empower and educate the public.

Representatives provided insightful tips and guidance on consumer best practices and
assisted attendees with questions regarding tax filings, financial assistance programs,
kūpuna care and more.

DCCA also highlighted the comprehensive BusinessCheck
(http://businesscheck.hawaii.gov) public information campaign. BusinessCheck serves
as a one-stop resource for information on businesses, individuals and entities operating
in the state. This online tool provides details on licensed contractors, electricians,
plumbers and other professionals, including license status, classifications, proof of
insurance and records of complaints.

Attendees had the chance to network with industry experts, fostering meaningful
connections and discussions on practical solutions for protecting consumer rights.
DCCA remains committed to advancing consumer rights and the turnout at the NCPW
Fair underscores the importance of fostering a more informed and resilient community.

“Mahalo to the government agencies, consumer protection groups and organizations
whose collaboration made this year’s fair a great success,” said DCCA Director Nadine
Ando.

Each year, DCCA receives hundreds of tips and complaints about unlicensed activity,
as well as consumer complaints alleging unfair or deceptive business practices. Events
like the NCPW Fair provide a valuable opportunity to educate the public on consumer
safety.

Organizations that participated in the National Consumer Protection Week Fair
included

• AARP
• American Red Cross
• Blood Bank of Hawai‘i
• Better Business Bureau
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Elderly Affairs Division – City and County of Honolulu
• Tax Relief Section – City and County of Honolulu
• Real Property Assessment Division – City and County of Honolulu
• Executive Office on Aging – Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
• Hawai‘i Credit Union League
• Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA)
• Hawai‘i HomeOwnership Center
• Hawai‘i Pacific University
• Hawai‘i State Health Insurance Assistance Program (Hawai‘i SHIP)
• Hawaiian Electric Co.
• HMSA
• IRS – Taxpayer Advocate Service
• Social Security Administration
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – State of Hawai‘i
• 911 Board – State of Hawai‘i
• Department of Taxation – State of Hawai‘i
• Public Utilities Commission – State of Hawai‘i
• Mediation Center of the Pacific
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Various divisions from the state of Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer
Affairs (DCCA)

Media Contact:
William Nhieu
Communications Officer
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 808-586-7582