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Bankruptcy in Hawaii: Exemptions and Filing Guide

State-specific bankruptcy exemptions and filing information for Hawaii. These exemptions determine what property you can keep when filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Data last updated: Jan 15, 2025

Key Takeaways

  • Homestead exemption: $30,000 ($48,000 for head of household or 65+).
  • Vehicle exemption: $2,575 (using federal exemptions) or $3,225 (state).
  • Federal exemptions available — you can choose state or federal.
  • Attorney fees: $1,500–$2,500 (Ch. 7) / $3,500–$5,000 (Ch. 13) typical.
$30,000 ($48,000 for head of household or 65+) Homestead exemption
$2,575 (using federal exemptions) or $3,225 (state) Vehicle exemption
Yes Federal option
$338 (Chapter 7) / $313 (Chapter 13) Filing fee

Hawaii Bankruptcy Exemptions

  • Homestead$30,000 ($48,000 for head of household or 65+)
  • Vehicle$2,575 (using federal exemptions) or $3,225 (state)
  • Personal propertyNecessary household furnishings, appliances, and books
  • Wildcard$1,150 plus up to $10,825 unused homestead (federal)
  • Federal exemptionsAvailable (can choose)

Means Test: Hawaii Median Income

To qualify for Chapter 7 in Hawaii, your income must be below the state median or you must pass the means test showing no disposable income for creditors.

  • 1 person$69,850
  • 2 people$87,000
  • 3 people$98,300
  • 4 people$111,200

Filing Costs

  • Court filing fee$338 (Chapter 7) / $313 (Chapter 13)
  • Typical attorney fee$1,500–$2,500 (Ch. 7) / $3,500–$5,000 (Ch. 13)
  • Court districtsDistrict of Hawaii

Hawaii bankruptcy court

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I choose federal exemptions in Hawaii?

    Yes. Hawaii allows debtors to choose between the state exemption system and the federal bankruptcy exemptions.

  • What is Hawaii's homestead exemption?

    Hawaii's state homestead exemption is $30,000, increasing to $48,000 if you are head of household or age 65 or older.

  • Is Hawaii an expensive state to file bankruptcy?

    Attorney fees in Hawaii tend to be higher than the national average due to the high cost of living, typically ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 for Chapter 7.

  • Can I protect my retirement accounts in Hawaii bankruptcy?

    Yes. ERISA-qualified retirement accounts, IRAs, and pension plans are generally protected in both state and federal exemption systems.

Legal Disclaimer: FreeNetLaw provides general legal information, not legal advice. The information on this site is not a substitute for consultation with a licensed attorney. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify information with official sources and consult a qualified attorney for advice about your specific situation.

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