For Auntie Annes franchises in Hawaii, what effect do statements, questionnaires, or acknowledgements signed by the franchisee have on waiving claims under state franchise law or disclaiming reliance on statements made by the franchisor?

According to Auntie Annes's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees in Hawaii are protected by a specific addendum that prevents them from unintentionally waiving their rights under state franchise law.

Specifically, any statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by the franchisee related to the start of the franchise relationship cannot waive claims under Hawaii's franchise law. This includes claims of fraud related to inducing the franchisee to invest. Furthermore, these documents cannot disclaim reliance on statements made by Auntie Annes, its franchise sellers, or anyone acting on their behalf.

This provision in the Hawaii addendum overrides any other conflicting terms in any document signed in connection with the franchise agreement, ensuring that franchisees retain their legal rights and protections under Hawaii state law, regardless of any agreements or acknowledgments they may sign. This protection is particularly important for franchisees as it prevents Auntie Annes from using standardized documents to inadvertently limit their liability or exposure under Hawaii franchise laws.