HB1678 – Truth in Music Advertising. A bill that was designed to help protect the livelihood of legacy musical groups and artists by preventing “imposter” performers from improperly using the legacy act’s name was signed into law today in Hawaiʻi’s first virtual bill signing event

HB 1678 prohibits advertising or conducting a live musical performance or production through the use of a false, deceptive or misleading affiliation, connection, or association between a performing group and a recording group. In addition, it authorizes the State Attorney General and parties with a claim to take civil action.

For decades, imposters have been performing under the artist name and likeness of legacy recording groups despite having no connection or legal rights to the original band or artists.

Rafael Fernandez, Senior Vice President of State Public Policy and Industry Relations for the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) applauds Hawaiʻi’s legislative leadership in passing this important measure.

“The music industry is grateful for the hard work of Senate President Ron Kouchi, Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English and Hawaiʻi House Speaker Scott Saiki in passing this critical measure,” said Fernandez. “HB1678 will protect the legacies of Hawaiʻi’s greatest musicians, while protecting the state’s consumers from paying to see fraudulent groups.”

Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English, a major champion of the bill believes that HB1678 will also help to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s musical heritage.

“This bill make will make a meaningful difference to so many of our state’s musical performers and to our economy’s entertainment sector,” noted Sen. English. “The key strength of this bill is its simple premise: Don’t take something that is not yours and don’t pretend to be something you’re not. Imposter performers violate both of those simple rules. This measure will put a stop to this destructive activity and strengthen Hawaiʻi’s musical heritage.”