HRS §490:3-116
When multiple people owe on one check, they share the debt
If two or more people sign the same check or note in the same role, they are each fully responsible for the whole amount unless the document says otherwise. If one of them pays the full amount, they can ask the others to pay their share. Even if the holder lets one person off the hook, the others can still seek contribution.
borrowerscreditorsdebtors
The statute, as written — Joint and several liability; contribution
(a) Except as otherwise provided in the instrument, two or more persons who have the same liability on an instrument as makers, drawers, acceptors, indorsers who indorse as joint payees, or anomalous indorsers are jointly and severally liable in the capacity in which they sign. (b) Except as provided in section 490:3-419(e) or by agreement of the affected parties, a party having joint and several liability that pays the instrument is entitled to receive from any party having the same joint and several liability contribution in accordance with applicable law. (c) Discharge of one party having joint and several liability by a person entitled to enforce the instrument does not affect the right under subsection (b) of a party having the same joint and several liability to receive contribution from the party discharged.
Sections this one refers to
§490:3-419 When someone signs a loan or note to help another person
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.