Kokua Line: Does gift-card law apply to national chains in Hawaii?
A reader asks if Hawaii's law requiring businesses to redeem gift card balances under $5 for cash applies to national chains, following a refusal at an Oahu coffee shop.
Question: I visited a national coffee chain on Oahu and paid with a gift card. After my purchase, the remaining balance was under $4. When I asked for the balance in cash, the employee told me the store does not give cash back on gift cards. I mentioned the Hawaii law (HRS §481B‑13(c)), which requires businesses in Hawaii to redeem gift card balances under $5 for cash. The employee said this law does not apply to national chains. I don’t believe that’s correct. My understanding is that any…
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