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HRS §171-39

When the state can end a land lease

If a tenant breaks a rule in their lease, the state land board can end the lease and take back the land, including any buildings on it, after giving a required notice. The board can do this without going to court, and it keeps any rent paid in advance as a penalty.

landlordstenants

The statute, as written — Leases; forfeiture

Upon the violation of any condition or term of any lease to be observed or performed by the lessee or tenant, the board of land and natural resources shall, after the notice of default as provided in section 171-20, and subject to the rights of each holder of record having a security interest as provided in section 171-21, terminate the lease or tenancy and take possession of the leased land, without demand or previous entry and without legal process, together with all improvements placed thereon and shall retain all rent paid in advance as damages for the violations.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

Sections this one refers to

§171-20 Notice required before the state can act on a lease breach

§171-21 What happens to lenders when a land lease is in default

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.