HRS §88-61
When you stop being a member of the retirement system
This section explains when someone stops being a member of the retirement system. If you leave your job and don't return for four years, you lose your membership and the service credit you earned. You also stop being a member if you take out your contributions, retire, or die.
employees
The statute, as written — Termination of membership
(a) Except as otherwise provided by section 88-96, any member absent from service for four calendar years following the calendar year in which the member's employment terminated shall cease to be a member, and the former member's credited service shall be forfeited. (b) Any member who withdraws the member's contributions, becomes a retirant, or dies, ceases to be a member as of the date of withdrawal, retirement, or death.
Sections this one refers to
§88-96 Getting your pension money back when you leave a job
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