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The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 2:53 p.m., Monday, December 31, 2007

New rules for filing suits against licensed professionals

Advertiser Staff

The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is reminding consumers about a new law that takes effect tomorrow covering the procedure for filing lawsuits against licensed professionals.

Consumers filing suits must submit their claims to the Design Claim Conciliation Panel before heading to court. The new requirement was established by the 2007 Legislature under Act 207, and was approved by Gov. Linda Lingle on June 21.

"The program is designed to assist parties in evaluating their claims and exchanging information in a relatively expedited and inexpensive manner," the DCCA said in a release. "The goal of the DCCP program is to provide the parties with an opportunity to resolve meritorious claims without filing a lawsuit and discourage parties from filing frivolous or fraudulent claims in court."

For more information all the Office of Administrative Hearings at 586-2828 or visit www.hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/oah/forms/DCCP_forms.