HRS §291C-171.5
How fines and costs can be collected
If you do not pay a fine or court costs, the government can collect them like a civil court judgment. You cannot be jailed for failing to pay costs, but you may be jailed for not paying a fine. The attorney general can sue to collect.
courtsdebtorsstate agencies
The statute, as written — Collection of fines and costs
(a) Unless discharged by payment or service of imprisonment in default of a fine, a fine may be collected in the same manner as a judgment in a civil action. (b) Costs may be collected in the same manner as a judgment in a civil action, but shall not be deemed part of the penalty, and no person shall be imprisoned under this section in default of payment of costs. (c) The state attorney general may institute proceedings to collect the fine, and costs, including interest and attorney's fees, as a civil judgment in the court of appropriate jurisdiction.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.