Kokua Line: Does gift-card law apply to national chains in Hawaii?

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 understa