Hawaii Debt Collection Law at a Glance
Federal Protection
15 USC §1692g — Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. 30-day validation window from first written contact. Collector must cease collection upon written dispute.
State Supplement
Haw. Rev. Stat. §443B-1 et seq. — Collection Agencies Act
Damages available: Actual damages, injunctive relief, and attorney fees
Collector Licensing
Debt collectors in Hawaii must be licensed under Haw. Rev. Stat. §443B-2. Unlicensed collection activity may constitute an additional violation.
Statute of Limitations
- Credit card / revolving: 6 years
- Written contracts: 6 years
- Oral contracts: 6 years
- Promissory notes: 6 years
- (Haw. Rev. Stat. §657-1)
Where to File Complaints
- Hawaii Attorney General Consumer Protection Office
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Small claims limit: $5,000
Additional Protections
- Collection agencies must be licensed by the Hawaii DCCA
- Prohibited from using threats, harassment, or deceptive practices
- Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices statute (HRS §480-2) also applies
Free preview. $9.99 for the clean, print-ready PDF.
Hawaii Debt Validation FAQ
What is the FDCPA 30-day validation period for debt collectors contacting me in Hawaii?
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 USC §1692g), you have 30 calendar days from the date a debt collector first contacts you in writing to request validation of the debt. During this time, the collector must cease collection activity if you dispute the debt in writing. This federal right applies in all 50 states including Hawaii.
Does Hawaii have its own debt collection protection law beyond the FDCPA?
Yes. Hawaii provides additional consumer protections under Haw. Rev. Stat. §443B-1 et seq. (Collection Agencies Act). Violations may result in: Actual damages, injunctive relief, and attorney fees.
Are debt collectors required to be licensed in Hawaii?
Yes. Under Haw. Rev. Stat. §443B-2, debt collectors operating in Hawaii must be licensed. If a collector contacting you is not properly licensed, this may constitute an additional violation that strengthens your dispute.
What is the statute of limitations on debt in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, the statute of limitations varies by debt type: credit card/revolving debt is 6 years, written contracts are 6 years, and oral contracts are 6 years (Haw. Rev. Stat. §657-1). If your debt is past the statute of limitations, a collector cannot legally sue you to collect it, and threatening legal action on time-barred debt may violate the FDCPA.
What should I include in a debt validation letter sent from Hawaii?
Your debt validation letter should: (1) reference the FDCPA (15 USC §1692g), (2) demand verification of the debt amount, (3) request proof of the collector's authority to collect, (4) ask for the original creditor's name and address, (5) request a copy of the original agreement, and (6) cite any applicable Hawaii state protections. Send via certified mail, return receipt requested.
Can I sue a debt collector who violates my rights in Hawaii?
Yes. Under the FDCPA (15 USC §1692k), you can sue for up to $1,000 in statutory damages plus actual damages and attorney fees. Under Hawaii law, you may also seek: Actual damages, injunctive relief, and attorney fees. You can file in Hawaii small claims court for claims up to $5,000.
Debt Validation Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific protections.