HAR §16-181-11. Assignment of arbitrator

(a) After a case has been initiated, the program administrator shall assign an arbitrator to hear and decide the case. (b) The assigned arbitrator shall not have any bias, any financial or personal interest in the outcome of the hearing, or have a pending claim against a manufacturer. The assigned arbitrator shall not have any current connection 181-6 §181-12 to the sale or manufacture of new motor vehicles so as to create a bias, as determined by the program administrator. The assigned arbitrator shall not be employed by a manufacturer, a motor vehicle dealer, or the consumer, or be a staff person or decision maker for a manufacturer-established program. (c) If any arbitrator should resign, die, withdraw, be disqualified by the program administrator, or be otherwise unable to perform the duties of the position, the administrator shall assign another arbitrator to the case, and the period to render a decision may be extended if necessary. If the forty-five day period must be extended, to the extent possible, the program administrator shall obtain the written consent from the parties. (d) Arbitrators shall undergo training established by the department and the program administrator. This training shall include procedural techniques, the duties and responsibilities of arbitrators under the program, the substantive portions of chapter 481I, HRS, and any rules adopted thereunder. [Eff 3/3/97; comp 10/8/05] (Auth: HRS §481I-4) (Imp: HRS §481I-4)