Section 303. Enforcement

1.  Except  as  herein  otherwise provided, the
  provisions of this chapter shall be enforced by the  department  charged
  with  the enforcement of laws, ordinances and regulations in relation to
  multiple dwellings.
    1-a. For the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this chapter,  the
  department  shall have the power to subpeona witnesses, administer oaths
  and take testimony, compel the production of books, papers, records  and
  documents  and  to hold public or private hearings, subject to the right
  of any person who shall appear hereunder to be represented by counsel of
  his own choosing, at any such hearing. The department may designate  one
  or  more  of  its  members, officers or employees to exercise any one or
  more of such powers.
    2. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to  abrogate  or  impair
  the  powers of any department or of the courts to enforce the provisions
  of  any  local  law,  ordinance,  rule,  regulation   or   charter   not
  inconsistent  with  this  chapter,  or  to  prevent violations or punish
  violators thereof.