The Hawaii House of Representative has passed a measure that would prohibit non-judicial home foreclosures for five months.

The House voted 50-1 Thursday to approve the bill, sending it to the Senate for additional consideration.

Democratic Rep. Bob Herkes said the legislation would provide a "time-out" that prevents predatory lenders from foreclosing on homeowners unjustly.

Foreclosures that are reviewed by the courts could proceed during the moratorium.

Republican Rep. Gil Riviere opposed the bill because he said it would hurt a mortgage lending industry that’s already having a hard time clearing home loans.

The bill is intended to allow homeowners to stay in their homes and work with their mortgage companies through mediation, loan modifications, negotiations or a forgiveness process.  

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Online:

HB894: http://capitol.hawaii.gov/