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HRS §200-43

What happens to abandoned boats after impoundment

If an abandoned boat is not claimed within ten working days after notice is sent, the agency holding it can sell it at public auction. If it cannot be sold, the agency can sell it privately, keep it, give it away, or junk it.

countiesstate agencies

The statute, as written — Public auction; disposition of abandoned vessels

Any abandoned vessel impounded under this part that remains unclaimed by the registered or documented owner, lien holder, or operator of record for more than ten working days after mailing of the notice required by section 200-42 may be sold at public auction by the state or county agency that took custody of the vessel. If the agency does not, or is unable to, sell the vessel at public auction, the agency, after giving public notice of intended disposition, may sell the vessel by negotiation, retain and use the vessel, donate the vessel to any other government agency, or dispose of the vessel as junk.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

Sections this one refers to

§200-42 Notice to owner about impounded vessel

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