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HRS §490:9-203When a security interest becomes valid and attached
This section explains when a security interest becomes attached to collateral and enforceable. It requires value given, debtor rights in the collateral, and a signed agreement or possession/control by the secured party. It also covers special situations like new debtors and related property.
creditorsdebtors
The statute, as written — Attachment and enforceability of security interest; proceeds; supporting obligations; formal requisites
(a) A security interest attaches to collateral when it becomes enforceable against the debtor with respect to the collateral, unless an agreement expressly postpones the time of attachment. (b) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (c) through (i), a security interest is enforceable against the debtor and third parties with respect to the collateral only if: (1) Value has been given; (2) The debtor has rights in the collateral or the power to transfer rights in the collateral to a secured party; and (3) One of the following conditions is met: (A) The debtor has signed a security agreement that provides a description of the collateral and, if the security interest covers timber to be cut, a description of the land concerned; (B) The collateral is not a certificated security and is in the possession of the secured party under section 490:9-313 pursuant to the debtor's security agreement; (C) The collateral is a certificated security in registered form and the security certificate has been delivered to the secured party under section 490:8-301 pursuant to the debtor's security agreement; (D) The collateral is controllable accounts, controllable electronic records, controllable payment intangibles, deposit accounts, electronic documents, electronic money, investment property, or letter-of-credit rights, and the secured party has control under section 490:7-106, 490:9-104, 490:9-105.5, 490:9-106, 490:9-107, or 490:9-107.5 pursuant to the debtor's security agreement; or (E) The collateral is chattel paper and the secured party has possession and control under section 490:9-314.5 pursuant to the debtor's security agreement. (c) Subsection (b) is subject to section 490:4-210 on the security interest of a collecting bank, section 490:5-118 on the security interest of a letter-of-credit issuer or nominated person, section 490:9-110 on a security interest arising under article 2 or 2A, and section 490:9-206 on security interests in investment property. (d) A person becomes bound as debtor by a security agreement entered into by another person if, by operation of law other than this article or by contract: (1) The security agreement becomes effective to create a security interest in the person's property; or (2) The person becomes generally obligated for the obligations of the other person, including the obligation secured under the security agreement, and acquires or succeeds to all or substantially all of the assets of the other person. (e) If a new debtor becomes bound as debtor by a security agreement entered into by another person: (1) The agreement satisfies subsection (b)(3) with respect to existing or after-acquired property of the new debtor to the extent the property is described in the agreement; and (2) Another agreement is not necessary to make a security interest in the property enforceable. (f) The attachment of a security interest in collateral gives the secured party the rights to proceeds provided by section 490:9-315 and is also attachment of a security interest in a supporting obligation for the collateral. (g) The attachment of a security interest in a right to payment or performance secured by a security interest or other lien on personal or real property is also attachment of a security interest in the security interest, mortgage, or other lien. (h) The attachment of a security interest in a securities account is also attachment of a security interest in the security entitlements carried in the securities account. (i) The attachment of a security interest in a commodity account is also attachment of a security interest in the commodity contracts carried in the commodity account.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026 Sections this one refers to
§490:4-210 Bank's rights in checks and related documents
§490:5-118 When a bank or issuer gets a security interest in a letter of credit document
§490:7-106 When someone is considered to control an electronic document of title
§490:8-301 When delivery of a security happens
§490:9-110 Security interests from buying or leasing goods
§490:9-206 When a security interest attaches to a financial asset
§490:9-313 How a lender can perfect a security interest by holding collateral
§490:9-314.5 How to perfect a security interest in chattel paper
§490:9-315 What happens to a lender's claim when collateral is sold or traded
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.