Hawaii Mechanics Lien — Deadlines and Filing Guide
Hawaii mechanics lien law under HRS §§ 507-41 through 507-48 gives contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers lien rights for unpaid construction work. Hawaii has the shortest mechanics lien filing deadline in the United States — 45 days from completion of the project. No preliminary notice is required. Liens are filed statewide with the Bureau of Conveyances in Honolulu.
Hawaii Mechanics Lien Deadlines
Hawaii mechanics lien deadlines are the shortest in the United States. All claimants must file a lien within 45 days of the completion of the project under HRS § 507-43. This is measured from project completion — not the claimant's last date of furnishing — which makes Hawaii's deadline even more urgent than it appears. The enforcement deadline is 3 months from completion, with a 1-year absolute deadline. Hawaii does not require a preliminary notice.
Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances — Statewide Filing
Unlike most states where liens are filed in the county where the project is located, all Hawaii mechanics liens are filed statewide with the Bureau of Conveyances located in Honolulu. Hawaii also has a Land Court system for registered land — liens on registered (Torrens title) land must be filed with the Land Court. Confirm whether the project property is registered land before filing using the Mechanics Lien Management State System.
Hawaii Mechanics Lien Enforcement
Hawaii mechanics liens must be enforced within 3 months from the date of project completion under HRS § 507-47, with an absolute 1-year deadline. Hawaii's extremely short deadlines — 45 days to file and 3 months to enforce — make prompt action critical. Missing either deadline permanently eliminates payment rights. Use Mechanics Lien Management to track both deadlines from the moment construction concludes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to file a mechanics lien in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, the deadline to file a mechanics lien is just 45 days from the completion of the project under HRS § 507-43 — the shortest filing deadline in the United States.
Does Hawaii require a preliminary notice?
No. Hawaii does not require a preliminary notice before filing a mechanics lien.
Where do you file a mechanics lien in Hawaii?
All Hawaii mechanics liens are filed statewide with the Bureau of Conveyances in Honolulu. For registered land, liens must be filed with the Land Court.
How long does a Hawaii mechanics lien last?
A Hawaii mechanics lien must be enforced within 3 months from project completion, with a 1-year absolute deadline under HRS § 507-47.