HRS §560:3-1202
What happens when you rely on an affidavit
If you give property to someone who shows an affidavit, you are protected from later blame, just as if you dealt with the estate's personal representative. You don't have to check the affidavit's truth. If you refuse to hand over property, the person can sue to force you.
beneficiariescourtscreditorsheirspersonal representatives
The statute, as written — Effect of affidavit
The person paying, delivering, transferring, or issuing personal property or the evidence thereof pursuant to affidavit is discharged and released to the same extent as if that person dealt with a personal representative of the decedent. That person is not required to see to the application of the personal property or evidence thereof or to inquire into the truth of any statement in the affidavit. If any person to whom an affidavit is delivered refuses to pay, deliver, transfer, or issue any personal property or evidence thereof, it may be recovered or its payment, delivery, transfer, or issuance compelled upon proof of their right in a proceeding brought for the purpose by or on behalf of the persons entitled thereto. Any person to whom payment, delivery, transfer or issuance is made is answerable and accountable therefor to any personal representative of the estate or to any other person having a superior right.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.