How to file a mechanics lien in Hawaii
Unpaid for work or materials on a Hawaii construction project? A lien begins with a court application and hearing. Use this guide to organize the filing questions, then check the cited law against your role and project.
HI · PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION CLAIMS
A lien begins with a court application and hearing.
Section 507-43 requires the Application for a Lien and Notice of Lien no later than 45 days after the improvement’s statutory completion.
Notices to check before filing
Serve the application and notice on the required parties in the prescribed manner. The court must find probable cause and order the lien to attach.
Where and how to file in Hawaii
Apply to the circuit court where the property is situated. Registered land can require a further Land Court filing after the attachment order.
A filing mistake to avoid
Recording a document without the court process does not satisfy the process described in §507-43.
Prepare your project records
Gather the completion evidence, contract, unpaid balance, ownership and interested-party details, and property registration information.
- Identify who hired you and whether the property is privately owned.
- Confirm your notice obligations and the event that starts each time limit.
- Verify the owner and property description using appropriate records.
- Reconcile invoices, payments, credits, and disputed amounts.
- Keep filing and service receipts, and calendar any enforcement deadline.
After the claim is filed
Filing does not guarantee payment or establish that a disputed claim is valid. Preserve the filed document and delivery evidence. If payment arrives, arrange the required release or satisfaction. If the balance remains unpaid, seek advice about enforcement before its separate deadline expires.
Help with your unpaid construction account
This state includes a court, attachment, or arbitration step that may require legal assistance. Ask support to confirm what administrative help is available before buying a lien service. Court representation and legal advice are outside The Credit App’s administrative recording service.
Review the lien service · Compare service fees · Ask support about your project
Sources for Hawaii lien requirements
Hawaii Revised Statutes §507-43 (2025 text, Justia)
Sources checked September 23, 2026. This is a general guide to private construction claims, not a calculation of your deadline or legal advice. The cited edition and later amendments must be checked for your project.
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