HRS §386-44
When paying the wrong person is okay and paying an insane person
If an employer pays weekly benefits to a dependent who has a lower right to them, the payment is valid unless a higher-priority dependent tells the employer about their claim. If the employer is unsure who should get the money, they can ask the labor director to decide. Benefits for an insane person go to their guardian.
beneficiariesemployersguardians
The statute, as written — Effect of erroneous payment; insanity of beneficiary
If an employer in good faith pays weekly benefits to a dependent who is inferior in right to another dependent or with whom another dependent is entitled to share, the payment shall discharge the employer, unless and until such other dependent notifies the employer of such other dependent's claim. In case the employer is in doubt as to the respective rights of rival claimants, the employer may institute proceedings before the director of labor and industrial relations for determination of the proper beneficiary. Benefits to a person who is insane shall be paid to the person's guardian.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.