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HRS §514B-43

When work liens can attach to condo units

This section explains when a construction lien can attach to condominium units. It depends on whether work started before or after the condo was created, and who hired the contractor. It also says that liens do not attach to common elements, but contractors may have other contract rights.

condominium associationscondominium ownerscontractorsdevelopers

The statute, as written — Liens against units

(a) For purposes of this section: "Lien" means a lien created pursuant to chapter 507, part II. "Visible commencement of operations" shall have the meaning it has in section 507‑41. (b) If visible commencement of operations occurs prior to the creation of the condominium, then, upon creation of the condominium, liens arising from this work shall attach to all units in the condominium described in the declaration and their respective undivided interests in the common elements, but not to the common elements as a whole. If visible commencement of operations occurs after creation of the condominium, then liens arising from this work shall attach only to the unit or units described in the declaration on which the work was performed in the same manner as other real property, and shall not attach to the common elements. (c) If the developer contracts for work on the common elements, either on its behalf or on behalf of the association prior to the first meeting of the association, then liens arising from this work may attach to all units owned by the developer described in the declaration at the time of visible commencement of operations. (d) If the association contracts for work on the common elements after the first meeting of the association, there shall be no lien on the common elements, but the persons contracting with the association to perform the work or supply the materials incorporated in the work shall be entitled to their contractual remedies, if any.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

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