Hawaii Eviction Law at a Glance
State Statute
Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-68 — Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code
Notice Periods
- Nonpayment: 5-Business-Day Pay or Quit
- Lease violation: 10-Day Cure or Quit
- Unconditional: 5-Day Unconditional Quit (Repeat Violation)
- End of tenancy: 45-Day Notice to Vacate
Available Defenses
- Habitability (Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-42)
- Retaliation (Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-74)
- Procedural defects
- Discrimination (Fair Housing Act)
Right to Cure
YES — Tenant has 5 business days to pay past-due rent; 10 days to cure lease violations
Self-Help Eviction
PROHIBITED — Landlord must use court process (Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-63)
Court & Filing
District Court
Landlord must file summary possession action in district court
Complaints: Hawaii Attorney General Office of Consumer Protection
Additional Protections
- Self-help eviction prohibited — landlord must use court process
- 45-day notice required for month-to-month termination
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Hawaii Eviction Response FAQ
How many days do I have to respond to an eviction notice in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, the response deadline depends on the type of eviction notice: Nonpayment: 5-Business-Day Pay or Quit; Lease violation: 10-Day Cure or Quit; Unconditional: 5-Day Unconditional Quit (Repeat Violation); End of tenancy: 45-Day Notice to Vacate. Missing your deadline can result in a default judgment and forced move-out.
What defenses can I raise against eviction in Hawaii?
Available defenses in Hawaii include: Habitability (Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-42), Retaliation (Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-74), Procedural defects, Discrimination (Fair Housing Act). The availability depends on your specific circumstances.
Does Hawaii require landlords to give tenants a right to cure?
Yes. Tenant has 5 business days to pay past-due rent; 10 days to cure lease violations
Can my landlord evict me without going to court in Hawaii?
No. Under Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-63, self-help eviction is prohibited in Hawaii. Your landlord must file in District Court and obtain a judgment.
What should I include in an eviction response letter in Hawaii?
Your letter should: (1) identify the notice by date and type, (2) cite Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-68, (3) assert applicable defenses, (4) demand proper legal procedure, (5) state your intent to defend in court, and (6) be sent via certified mail.
Where can I file a complaint against my landlord in Hawaii?
File complaints with the Hawaii Attorney General Office of Consumer Protection and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For illegal self-help eviction, contact local law enforcement.
Eviction Response Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific protections.