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HRS §651-63

What happens if exempt property is seized or sold

If an officer or someone else takes or sells property that is legally protected from being taken to pay a debt, that person can be sued by the owner. The owner can recover damages, court costs, and attorney's fees. Even if the officer got an indemnity bond, they are still responsible.

courtscreditorsdebtors

The statute, as written — Liability for selling exempt property

If any officer or other person seizes or sells any property exempt from execution under subpart C, the officer or other person shall be liable to an action at the suit of the owner for all damages and costs sustained thereby, including an attorney's fee to be fixed by the court before which the action is tried, and the fact that the officer or person has demanded and received the indemnifying bond mentioned in section 651-62 shall not exempt the officer or other person from the liability in this section specified.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

Sections this one refers to

§651-62 Bond required when property is claimed as exempt

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