How to Collect Your Judgment in Hawaii

A Hawaii judgment is enforceable for 10 years, and can be renewed before it expires. A domestic judgment is conclusively presumed paid/discharged after 10 years unless timely renewed (HRS 657-5). An extension must be sought within 10 years of the original judgment via a motion to extend (notice required); a court may NOT extend a judgment beyond 20 years from the original date.

Yes. Garnishment in Hawaii can reach Hawaii formula (HRS 652-1): garnishee withholds 5% of the first $100/month of disposable earnings, 10% of the next $100/month, and 20% of all sums over $200/month. Employer must use whichever of Hawaii or federal (25% / 30x fed. min. wage) law is MORE favorable to the employee.. Exemptions: Disposable earnings basis; the lesser-burden (Hawaii vs. federal) calculation protects low earners. Standard benefit exemptions (e.g., public assistance, certain wages) apply. Worksheet 3DC27C performs the comparison.

Through Examination of judgment debtor (oral examination) / examination when no property known — the court orders the debtor to appear and disclose their assets under oath. Under HRS Chapter 651 (Attachment and Execution), the creditor may obtain an order for examination of the debtor, including HRS 651-12 (examination of defendant when no property is known). The debtor is examined under oath about assets. Conducted in the circuit or district court that rendered the judgment.

Record a certified copy of the judgment with the Bureau of Conveyances (and/or Land Court for registered land) to create a lien on the debtor's real property; recording in the bureau gives statewide effect. The lien lasts 10 years.

You pay the court and sheriff their own filing/levy fees directly — usually modest, and recoverable from the debtor on top of your judgment. If you hand the case to a judgment-recovery firm or collections attorney instead, expect them to take 33–50% of whatever they recover; doing it yourself with Hawaii's own forms keeps everything you collect.

Some debtors are "judgment-proof" — no job, no bank account, no equity — and no tool can squeeze money that isn't there. The honest play is the debtor's exam to confirm what exists, then keep the judgment alive (it lasts 10 years and is renewable) and try again when their situation changes. We give you the tools, not a guaranteed payout.