Hawaii Mechanics Lien Laws
Hawaii has one of the shortest lien windows in the US at just 45 days from last work. Subs and suppliers must serve a preliminary notice within 45 days of first furnishing.
Key Facts
Step-by-step guide for Hawaii
- 1
Confirm your lien rights
Verify you hold a valid contract, are properly licensed (if Hawaii requires it), and that the work was on private property. Public projects require a payment bond claim, not a lien.
- 2
Send preliminary notice within 45 days of first work
Hawaii requires a preliminary notice within 45 days of first furnishing labor or materials. Missing this notice permanently bars your lien rights.
- 3
Track your deadline from last day of work
Your lien must be recorded within 45 days of your last furnishing of labor or materials. Mark the calendar the day you finish work — this clock does not stop.
- 4
Prepare the lien document
Your lien claim must include: claimant name and address, property owner name, property description (legal description or address), amount claimed, description of labor/materials, and dates of first and last furnishing.
- 5
Notarization (not required in this state)
Hawaii does not require notarization.
- 6
File with the Bureau of Conveyances
Record your lien with the Bureau of Conveyances in the county where the property is located. Filing fee is typically $25–$50. Request a file-stamped copy for your records.
- 7
Serve a copy on the property owner
Most states require you to mail or personally serve a copy of the filed lien on the property owner within a short window of recording. Check Hawaii rules for exact timing and method of service.
- 8
Enforce by month 12
If the debt remains unpaid, you must file a lawsuit to foreclose on the lien within 12 months of recording. If you miss this deadline, the lien expires and the cloud on title is removed without payment.