How many days do you have to file a mechanics lien in Hawaii?
A lien is not filed with a recorder. The claimant files an Application for a Lien and a written Notice of Lien with the circuit court no later than forty-five days after the date the improvement was completed. The court sets a hearing three to ten days after service to decide whether there is probable cause for the lien to attach.1 HRS 507-43(a)-(b)
Do you need a preliminary notice in Hawaii?
Hawaii has no preliminary notice step before a lien. A lien claimant applies to the circuit court and serves a copy of the Application for a Lien and Notice of Lien on the owner and the party who contracted for the work, in the same way a summons is served.1 HRS 507-43(a)
How long is a mechanics lien good for in Hawaii?
The lien expires three months after the court enters the Order Directing Lien to Attach unless an action to collect the amount and enforce the lien has been started in that time. After demand and refusal, the lien is enforced by an action in the circuit court of the circuit where the property sits.2 HRS 507-43(e); 507-47
Who can file a mechanics lien in Hawaii?
Anyone who furnishes labor or material to improve real property has a lien on the improvement and on the owner's interest in the land, for the agreed price or the fair and reasonable value of the labor and materials.3 HRS 507-42
What about public jobs in Hawaii?
On a construction contract above $25,000, the purchasing agency receives a performance bond for 100 percent of the contract price and a payment bond for 100 percent of the price protecting everyone supplying labor and material to the contractor.4 HRS 103D-324
Notarization: read the Hawaii lien statute.
Sources
- HRS 507-43(a)-(b) (capitol.hawaii.gov, 2026-10-27)
- HRS 507-43(e); 507-47 (capitol.hawaii.gov, 2026-10-27)
- HRS 507-42 (capitol.hawaii.gov, 2026-10-27)
- HRS 103D-324 (capitol.hawaii.gov, 2026-10-27)