Posted at 4:09 p.m., Monday, October 16, 2006
Complaints of price gouging unfounded
Advertiser Staff
The State Office of Consumer Protection has looked into a handful of complaints about price gouging during the aftermath of Sunday's earthquakes but found no evidence to back up the allegations."We've gotten a few inquiries but nothing that has panned out yet," said Steve Levins, executive director of the Hawai'i Office of Consumer Protection. "It's not inconceivable, but there hasn't appeared to be price gouging on its face."
"People's emotions are high and their stress level is high," Levins said. "It says a lot for the people of Hawai'i that we have not seen the problems that have arisen in other areas like Florida during Hurricane Andrew."
Anyone with a complaint, should call Levins office at 587-3222.
Documentation, such as a receipt, is helpful but Levins said his office will investigate any complaint.
State law provides penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 per violation.
Similar allegations were made in the aftermath of Hurricane Iniki but none of the complaints was verified, Levins said.
