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HRS §490:3-415

What an indorser must pay when a check bounces

This section explains when a person who signs the back of a check or other payment paper (an indorser) has to pay the amount owed. It also lists situations where the indorser does not have to pay, like when they write 'without recourse' or when proper notice is not given.

creditorsdebtorsfinancial institutions

The statute, as written — Obligation of indorser

(a) Subject to subsections (b), (c), and (d) and to section 490:3-419(d), if an instrument is dishonored, an indorser is obliged to pay the amount due on the instrument (i) according to the terms of the instrument at the time it was indorsed, or (ii) if the indorser indorsed an incomplete instrument, according to its terms when completed, to the extent stated in sections 490:3-115 and 490:3-407. The obligation of the indorser is owed to a person entitled to enforce the instrument or to a subsequent indorser who paid the instrument under this section. (b) If an indorsement states that it is made "without recourse" or otherwise disclaims liability of the indorser, the indorser is not liable under subsection (a) to pay the instrument. (c) If notice of dishonor of an instrument is required by section 490:3-503 and notice of dishonor complying with that section is not given to an indorser, the liability of the indorser under subsection (a) is discharged. (d) If a draft is accepted by a bank after an indorsement is made, the liability of the indorser under subsection (a) is discharged. (e) If an indorser of a check is liable under subsection (a) and the check is not presented for payment, or given to a depositary bank for collection, within thirty days after the day the indorsement was made, the liability of the indorser under subsection (a) is discharged.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

Sections this one refers to

§490:3-115 Incomplete instruments

§490:3-419 When someone signs a loan or note to help another person

§490:3-503 Notice of dishonor

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