← Back to search

HRS §200-54

How money from a vessel sale is divided

This section explains who gets paid from the money made when a vessel is sold. The seller gets paid first for their services, then lien holders get paid, and any leftover money goes to the registered owner. If the owner cannot be found, the money is held by the state for a limited time.

state agencies

The statute, as written — Disposition of proceeds

The authorized seller of the vessel shall be entitled to the proceeds of the sale to the extent of the compensation that is due the seller for services rendered in connection with the vessel, including reasonable and customary charges for towing, handling, and storage, and the cost of notices and advertising required by this part. A lien holder shall receive priority in payment from the balance to the extent of the lien holder's lien. Any remaining balance shall be forwarded to the registered owner of the vessel, if the registered owner can be found. If the registered owner cannot be found, the balance shall be deposited with the director of finance of the State and shall be paid out to the registered owner of the vessel, if a proper claim is filed thereof within one year from the execution of the sale agreement. If no claim is made within the year allowed, the money shall become a state realization.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

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