State Debt Laws
Hawaii Debt Collection Laws
Garnishment limits, exemptions, and consumer protections specific to Hawaii
Hawaii (HI) - At a Glance
| State Consumer Protection Law | Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 443B |
| Source | HRS ยง 443B-1 et seq. |
| Covers Original Creditors? | No - third-party collectors only |
| Max Wage Garnishment | 5% of disposable earnings (federal minimum; may be lower) |
| Bank Levy Exemption | $1,000 in bank |
| Homestead Exemption | $30,000 ($100,000 if 65+) |
Key Protections in Hawaii
- Very low wage garnishment cap: only 5% of disposable earnings
- Debt collectors must be licensed in Hawaii
- FDCPA applies to third-party collectors
Wage Garnishment in Hawaii
After a court judgment, creditors in Hawaii can garnish up to 5% of your disposable earnings (earnings after legally required deductions). This is the federal cap - Hawaii follows federal law on this limit.
Exempt from garnishment: Federal benefits (Social Security, SSI, VA benefits) cannot be garnished by private creditors regardless of state law.
File a Complaint in Hawaii
If a debt collector violates the FDCPA or Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 443B:
- File with the Hawaii Attorney General
- File with the CFPB
- Consult a consumer attorney (FDCPA violations = attorney fees paid by collector)