The Lemon Law
HRS 481I-3 — three repair attempts, or thirty business days out of service, within two years or 24,000 miles
The lemon law rights period is the term of the manufacturer's express warranty, two years from original delivery, or the first 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. A defect reported in writing during it is repaired even if the repair comes later.
Who handles this in Hawaii: Office of Consumer Protection and Hawaii State Bar Association, Lawyer Referral and Information Service; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Hawaii directory.
- Where a defect that substantially impairs use, value or safety is not fixed after a reasonable number of documented attempts, the manufacturer replaces the vehicle or takes it back and refunds the full purchase price and collateral charges, less a reasonable offset for use.
- A reasonable number is presumed after three repair attempts for the same defect, one for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, or thirty or more business days out of service.
- The presumption needs a written report to the manufacturer and a reasonable chance to repair.
- Abuse, neglect, or unauthorized changes by the consumer are a defense.
A decision in the state certified arbitration program is due within forty five days. The consumer's filing fee is $50, returned on a win. In nonbinding arbitration, either side may demand a trial within thirty calendar days of the award.
An action is brought within one year after the lemon law rights period ends.
Sources for this section (3)
- HRS 481I-3 — Motor vehicle: express warranties, return
- HRS 481I-2 — Definitions
- HRS 481I-4 — Arbitration mechanism
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Hawaii attorney.