Hawaii Bankruptcy Exemptions
Homestead
651-91 - Up to $30,000 if head of family or over 65; up to $20,000
otherwise: Property cannot exceed 1 acre. Sale proceeds are exempt for 6
months after sale. Tenancies by the entirety are exempt without limit as to
debts of one spouse [Security Pacific Bank v. Chang, 818 F: Supp. (D. Haw.
1993)].
Personal Property
651-121 - Motor vehicle up to wholesale value of $2,575; clothing;
appliances and furnishings needed; books; jewelry, watches, and articles of
adornment up to $1,000; proceeds for sold or damaged exempt property (sale
proceeds exempt for 6 months after sale); burial plot up to 250 square feet,
plus on-site tombstones, monuments, and fencing.
Wages
353-22.5 - Prisoner's wages held by Dept. of Public Safety excluding child
support, restitution and other claims.
651-121 - Unpaid wages due for services of the past 31 days.
Pensions
11 U.S.C. § 522 - Tax exempt retirement accounts. Traditional IRAs and Roth
IRAs up to $1,095,000 per person.
88-169 Police officers and firefighters.
88-91 & 653-3 - Public officers and employees.
651-124 - Roth IRAs, IRAs, and ERISA-qualified benefits, if deposited more
than 3 years before filing.
Public Benefits
346-33 - Public assistance paid by Dept. of Health Services for work done in
home or a workshop.
351-66 - Crime victims' compensation; special accounts that were created to
limit the commercial exploitation of crimes.
383-163 - Unemployment compensation.
386-57 - Workers' compensation.
392-29 - Temporary disability benefits.
653-4 - Unemployment work relief up to $60 per month.
Tools of Trade
651-121 - Tools, books, uniforms, implements, instruments, furnishings,
fishing boat, nets, motor vehicle, and other personal property needed for
livelihood.
Insurance
431:10-231 - Accident, sickness or health benefits.
431:10-232 - Annuity contract or endowment policy proceeds if beneficiary is
insured spouse, child or parent.
431:10-233 - Group life insurance policy or proceeds.
431:10-234 - Life or health insurance policy for child or spouse.
431:10-D:112 - Life insurance proceeds if policy prohibits use to pay
creditors.
432:2-403 - Fraternal benefit society benefits.
Misc.
425-126 - Business partnership property.