Hawaii Judgment Enforcement Guide | Debt Collection & Skip Tracing

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Hawaii Judgment Enforcement — Quick Facts

10 yrs
Judgment Lifespan
6 yrs
Debt SOL (Written)
10%
Post-Judgment Interest
✗
COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE

Hawaii offers a 10-year judgment lien with a 10% interest rate. The state has relatively generous personal property exemptions but a modest homestead exemption. Wage garnishment is permitted with standard federal limits.

Hawaii Statute of Limitations on Debt

Debt Type Limitation Period Statute
Written Contract 6 years HRS §657-1
Open Account / Credit Card 6 years HRS §657-1
Oral Contract 6 years HRS §657-1
Promissory Note 6 years HRS §657-1
Judgment Lien 10 years HRS §636-3

Hawaii’s 6-year SOL for written contracts provides creditors a reasonable period to file suit. The discovery rule applies to certain tort-based claims.

Post-Judgment Interest Rate

Hawaii post-judgment interest accrues at 10% per annum under HRS §478-3. Interest is simple and begins on the judgment date.

Judgment Recovery Methods in Hawaii

Wage Garnishment yes
Hawaii permits wage garnishment of 5% of disposable earnings up to $100/week, with 25% for amounts above that threshold (HRS §652-1).
Bank Account Levy yes
Bank account garnishment is available after judgment. Creditor serves a garnishee summons on the financial institution (HRS §652-1).
Abstract of Judgment / Lien yes
Recording a judgment in the Bureau of Conveyances creates a lien on all real property in Hawaii (HRS §636-3). Hawaii is a single-recording-district state.
Turnover Order limited
Courts may order post-judgment examinations and compel disclosure of non-exempt assets under Hawaii Rules of Civil Procedure.
Writ of Execution yes
Writs of execution allow the sheriff to levy on non-exempt personal property and real estate in Hawaii (HRS §651-31).
Vehicle Levy yes
Hawaii exempts one motor vehicle up to $2,575 in equity. Additional vehicles may be levied via writ of execution.

Debtor Exemptions

Asset Type Exemption Amount Statute
Homestead $30,000 (head of household: $100,000) HRS §651-92
Motor Vehicle $2,575 equity HRS §651-121
Wages Per HRS §652-1 formula HRS §652-1
Personal Property $1,000 general HRS §651-121
Retirement All ERISA-qualified plans HRS §651-124

Judgment Value Calculator

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Official Hawaii Resources

Hawaii State Judiciary – Case InformationCivil case search by circuitHawaii DCCA – Business Entity SearchEntity & registered agent searchHawaii Bureau of ConveyancesReal property & lien recordingHawaii Revised Statutes – LegislatureOfficial state code

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes change — verify current law with a licensed Hawaii attorney before taking collection action.