Use this contractor disputes guide to build a clear demand letter for Honolulu.
Honolulu Contractor Dispute Rights: Your Complete Guide to Resolving Construction Problems in Hawaii
Hawaii's unique building environment presents challenges that mainland homeowners rarely encounter. From salt air corrosion to termite damage, from hurricane preparation requirements to volcanic activity considerations, construction and renovation projects in Honolulu require specialized expertise. When contractors fail to deliver quality work, abandon projects, or refuse to honor their commitments, Hawaii law provides meaningful protections for property owners. This comprehensive guide is designed specifically for Honolulu residents facing contractor disputes, explaining your legal rights and practical remedies under Hawaii law.
The Hawaiian islands' geographic isolation adds complexity to contractor relationships. Materials must be shipped from the mainland, adding cost and time to projects. Skilled labor can be scarce in specialized trades. These factors can lead to project delays, cost overruns, and disputes that might not arise in mainland markets. Understanding how Hawaii law addresses these realities helps homeowners protect their investments and hold contractors accountable.
Hawaii's contractor licensing requirements, codified in Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 444, establish one of the most rigorous regulatory frameworks in the nation. The Contractors License Board oversees all licensed contractors and can take disciplinary action for violations. Beyond licensing, Hawaii's consumer protection laws, lien statutes, and contract law provide additional remedies when contractors fail to perform. Knowing how to leverage these protections gives you powerful tools in any contractor dispute.
This guide covers everything from understanding Hawaii's contractor licensing requirements to crafting an effective demand letter to pursuing your claim through the Contractors License Board, small claims court, or civil litigation. Whether you are dealing with an incomplete renovation in Manoa, defective work on your Kailua home, or a contractor who disappeared with your deposit, you will learn the specific Hawaii procedures and remedies available to recover your losses and get your project completed properly.
Hawaii Contractor Laws: Understanding Your Rights Under State Regulations
Hawaii has developed comprehensive regulations governing contractors that provide significant protections for property owners. Understanding this legal framework is essential for effectively pursuing contractor disputes.
Contractor Licensing Requirements
Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 444 establishes mandatory licensing for contractors performing work valued at $1,000 or more, including both labor and materials. Contractors must pass examinations demonstrating competency, maintain liability insurance, and carry workers' compensation coverage. The law creates different license categories including general contractors (who may supervise overall projects) and specialty contractors (who work in specific trades like electrical, plumbing, or roofing). Operating without a proper license is a criminal offense and has significant civil consequences.
Consequences of Unlicensed Contracting
If you discover your contractor was unlicensed, Hawaii law provides powerful remedies. Under HRS Section 444-22, contracts with unlicensed contractors may be unenforceable by the contractor. This means an unlicensed contractor cannot sue you to collect payment. Courts have consistently held that property owners may recover money paid to unlicensed contractors. Additionally, performing contracting work without a license is a misdemeanor under HRS Section 444-9.5. You can report unlicensed contractors to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
The Contractors License Board
The Contractors License Board within DCCA regulates licensed contractors and handles complaints. The board can investigate complaints, hold hearings, and impose discipline ranging from fines to license revocation. Filing a complaint with the board creates official pressure on contractors to resolve disputes and can result in recovery from the contractor's bond in some cases. The board also maintains public records of contractor licenses and disciplinary actions.
Mechanics' Lien Protections for Property Owners
Hawaii's mechanics' lien law, HRS Chapter 507, affects contractor disputes in important ways. While the lien law primarily protects contractors and suppliers who are not paid, it also protects property owners from paying twice for the same work. The law establishes notice requirements that subcontractors and suppliers must follow before they can lien your property. Understanding these requirements helps you ensure that your payments to the general contractor actually satisfy all obligations.
Home Solicitation Sales Act
If a contractor solicited work at your home, the Home Solicitation Sales Act (HRS Chapter 481C) may apply. This law gives homeowners a three-business-day right to cancel certain contracts entered into at their residence. If the contractor failed to provide the required cancellation notice, the cancellation period may be extended. Violations of this act can result in the contract being voidable by the homeowner.
Consumer Protection Laws
Hawaii's Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices law (HRS Chapter 480) applies to contractor transactions. False advertising, misrepresentation of qualifications, bait and switch tactics, and failure to perform contracted work may all constitute unfair or deceptive practices. Successful claims under Chapter 480 can result in actual damages or $1,000 (whichever is greater), and in cases of willful violations, treble damages plus attorneys' fees.
Warranty Protections
Hawaii recognizes both express warranties (promises made by the contractor) and implied warranties in construction contracts. The implied warranty of good workmanship requires contractors to perform work in a reasonably competent manner using proper materials. The implied warranty of habitability applies to new home construction. These warranties exist regardless of whether they are stated in the contract and provide grounds for claims when work is defective.
Building Permit Requirements
Many construction projects require permits from the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting. Contractors are generally responsible for obtaining necessary permits. Work performed without required permits can create significant problems, including inability to sell the property, requirements to remove unpermitted work, and safety hazards. If your contractor failed to obtain required permits, this may constitute both a contract breach and a licensing violation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Resolving Contractor Disputes in Honolulu
Resolving contractor disputes requires systematic documentation, proper procedures, and strategic escalation. Follow these steps to protect your interests and maximize your recovery.
Start by thoroughly reviewing your written contract, including all amendments, change orders, and addenda. Identify the specific scope of work promised, the agreed price and payment schedule, the project timeline, any warranties or guarantees, procedures for change orders, and dispute resolution provisions. If you do not have a written contract, document all oral agreements as best you can recall, including any witnesses to the discussions.
Check your contractor's license status through the Hawaii DCCA website (cca.hawaii.gov). Verify that the license was valid when the contract was signed and throughout the project, that the license type covers the work being performed, and whether any complaints or disciplinary actions are on record. If the contractor was unlicensed, this significantly strengthens your legal position.
Create comprehensive documentation of all deficiencies and damages. Photograph and video every problem from multiple angles. Create written descriptions of each defect or incomplete item. Note when each problem was discovered. Document any safety hazards. Get written assessments from other licensed contractors or inspectors. Keep a timeline of the project showing delays and when problems arose.
All communications with your contractor should be in writing from this point forward. Send a detailed letter or email listing all problems and requesting correction. Reference specific contract provisions that were violated. Set a reasonable deadline for response, typically 10 to 14 days. Keep copies of everything you send and receive.
Most contracts and courts require giving the contractor a reasonable opportunity to fix problems before pursuing legal remedies. Your written notice should specify the defects, request repair or completion within a reasonable time, and state the consequences if the contractor fails to act. What constitutes reasonable time depends on the nature of the work, but 14 to 30 days is typical for most residential repairs.
Get written estimates from at least two other licensed contractors to complete unfinished work or repair defects. These estimates document the cost of correction and will be evidence of your damages. Make sure the estimating contractors are properly licensed and ask them to detail what work is needed and why.
If the contractor fails to adequately respond to your initial notice, send a formal demand letter. Address it to the contractor's registered business address. Reference the contract, describe all breaches, attach documentation of problems and repair estimates, cite the contractor's obligations under Hawaii law including HRS Chapter 444, demand specific relief (completion of work, repair of defects, or monetary damages), set a firm deadline of 14 days, and state consequences including complaints to the Contractors License Board, legal action, and claims under HRS Chapter 480 for unfair practices. Send via certified mail with return receipt.
If your demand is not satisfied, file a formal complaint with the Hawaii Contractors License Board. The complaint should describe the contractor's conduct, include your documentation, and specify the resolution you seek. The board will investigate, may attempt mediation, and can impose discipline. Complaints are public record and can pressure contractors to settle.
Before litigation, consider whether mediation might resolve the dispute. The Mediation Center of the Pacific in Honolulu offers services for construction disputes. Mediation is faster and less expensive than court, and can preserve working relationships if the contractor will complete remaining work. Some contracts require mediation before litigation.
If other remedies fail, pursue legal action. For claims up to $5,000, file in Hawaii District Court's Small Claims Division. For larger claims, file in regular District Court (up to $40,000) or Circuit Court (over $40,000). Bring all documentation, repair estimates, and evidence of contractor non-compliance. For significant claims, consult with a construction litigation attorney who can navigate complex issues and pursue enhanced damages under consumer protection laws.
Essential Evidence for Hawaii Contractor Disputes: Building Your Case
Success in contractor disputes depends heavily on documentation. The more thoroughly you document problems, communications, and damages, the stronger your position in negotiations and any legal proceedings.
Contract Documentation
The foundation of your case is the contract. Preserve the original signed contract and all pages, all addenda and amendments, change orders and their documentation, payment schedules and any modifications, and the contractor's license number as stated in the contract. If you do not have a written contract, document all terms you can recall, any witnesses to oral agreements, any written communications referencing the agreement, and evidence of what was understood (emails, texts, notes).
License Verification Records
Document the contractor's license status. Print or screenshot the DCCA license lookup showing current status, license history, and any disciplinary record. If the contractor was unlicensed, this documentation is critical. Verify that the license type covers the specific work performed.
Project Progress Documentation
Document the project from start to present. Take regular photos throughout construction showing progress and any emerging problems. Note dates when work occurred and when the contractor was absent. Keep a written log of daily activities and communications. Save all text messages and emails with the contractor. Document any missed deadlines referenced in the contract.
Defect and Damage Documentation
Thoroughly document all problems. Photograph each defect from multiple angles with good lighting. Video can show the extent and nature of problems photos cannot capture. Include scale references (rulers, coins) for damage size. Get professional inspections for complex issues (structural, electrical, plumbing). Document any health or safety hazards created.
Payment Records
Maintain complete records of all payments. Keep copies of checks (front and back showing endorsement), bank statements showing payments, credit card statements, receipts from the contractor, and documentation of any disputed amounts. Track what was paid against the payment schedule in the contract.
Communication Records
Preserve all communications with the contractor. Save emails in multiple formats. Screenshot and preserve text messages. Keep copies of all letters sent and received. For phone calls, make contemporaneous notes documenting date, time, participants, and substance. If you send certified mail, keep the receipt and return receipt.
Repair Estimates and Expert Opinions
To prove damages, you need professional documentation. Get written estimates from at least two licensed contractors to complete or repair the work. Obtain any inspection reports (building department, private inspectors). Get written opinions on what work fails to meet code or industry standards. Keep records of who provided estimates and their license information.
Permit and Inspection Records
Document the permit status of the work. Obtain copies of any permits pulled for the project. Get records of inspections passed or failed. If work was done without required permits, document this by checking with the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting.
Witness Information
Identify potential witnesses and collect contact information. This includes neighbors who observed the work or its quality, other contractors who assessed the problems, anyone who heard representations made by the contractor, and subcontractors or suppliers who may have relevant information.
Organization and Preservation
Organize all evidence chronologically and by category. Make copies of everything and store in multiple locations. Create a summary index of all documentation. Prepare evidence for easy presentation in a hearing or trial. Consider creating a timeline exhibit showing key events.
Critical Deadlines for Contractor Disputes in Hawaii
Hawaii law establishes various deadlines that affect contractor disputes. Understanding and meeting these deadlines is essential to preserving your rights.
Statute of Limitations for Contract Claims
The general statute of limitations for breach of contract claims in Hawaii is six years under HRS Section 657-1. This means you generally have six years from when the breach occurred to file a lawsuit. For ongoing projects, the breach may occur at different times for different defects, so the limitation period may vary. Do not wait until near the deadline, as evidence becomes stale and contractors may become harder to locate.
Statute of Limitations for Construction Defects
For construction defect claims sounding in tort (negligence), the statute of limitations may be shorter. Hawaii has a statute of repose under HRS Section 657-8 that limits claims related to improvements to real property. Claims must generally be brought within two years of discovering the defect, but not more than ten years after substantial completion of the improvement. This means latent defects discovered years later may still be actionable if discovered within two years and within ten years of completion.
Home Solicitation Cancellation Period
If the contract was made through home solicitation (the contractor came to your home and you signed there), you generally have three business days to cancel under HRS Chapter 481C. If the contractor failed to provide required cancellation notices, this period may be extended. Check your contract for cancellation disclosure requirements.
Demand Letter Response Time
When you send a demand letter, set a reasonable deadline for response. Fourteen days is typical for most issues. For emergencies affecting safety or causing ongoing damage, shorter deadlines may be appropriate. Document the deadline and the contractor's failure to respond if they miss it.
Contractors License Board Complaint Timeline
There is no strict deadline for filing a complaint with the Contractors License Board, but filing promptly is advisable. The board investigates more effectively when evidence is fresh. If you intend to pursue bond claims, there may be specific timing requirements.
Mechanics' Lien Deadlines
If you are concerned about subcontractor or supplier liens on your property, be aware of the lien filing deadlines. Under HRS Chapter 507, liens generally must be recorded within 45 days after completion of work. Understanding this timeline helps you assess when lien risk has passed.
Small Claims Court Deadlines
Once you file in small claims court, specific deadlines apply. The defendant must be served at least 15 days before the hearing. You must appear at the scheduled hearing. If judgment is entered, the losing party has 30 days to appeal. Judgments must be enforced within 10 years but are better pursued promptly.
Recommended Action Timeline
For effective dispute resolution, follow this general timeline. Provide written notice of problems immediately upon discovery. Give 14 to 30 days for the contractor to respond and cure. If unsatisfied, send a formal demand letter with a 14-day deadline. If the demand fails, file a Contractors License Board complaint. Simultaneously prepare for small claims or civil court action. Act within the first year of discovering significant problems for the strongest case.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Honolulu Contractor Disputes
Avoiding these common errors can significantly improve your outcome in contractor disputes.
Paying Too Much Upfront
Many contractor disputes begin with excessive upfront payments that leave homeowners with little leverage. Hawaii law and industry standards suggest limiting initial deposits to 10 to 20 percent of the project cost. Structure payments to correspond with completed milestones. Never pay ahead of work completed. If a contractor demands large upfront payments, this is often a red flag.
Not Verifying Contractor License
Failing to verify a contractor's license before signing a contract is a critical error. Always check the DCCA website to confirm the license is current, the license type covers the work, and there is no history of disciplinary action. While discovering unlicensed status later can help your legal case, it is better to avoid unlicensed contractors entirely.
Relying on Verbal Agreements
Oral contracts are difficult to enforce and lead to disputes about what was promised. Always get a written contract specifying scope of work in detail, total price and payment schedule, start date and completion date, materials specifications, permit responsibilities, and warranty terms. If the contractor will not put it in writing, find a different contractor.
Continuing Payments Despite Problems
Some homeowners continue making scheduled payments even when work is clearly defective or behind schedule, hoping the contractor will eventually perform. This reduces your leverage. If work is substandard or not progressing, document the problems and withhold further payment until issues are addressed. Communicate this in writing.
Not Documenting Problems Promptly
Waiting too long to document problems allows conditions to change and evidence to be lost. Photograph and video problems immediately upon discovery. Create written records the same day. The closer your documentation is to when the problem occurred, the more credible it is.
Making Cash Payments Without Receipts
Cash payments without receipts are impossible to prove and suggest informal arrangements that courts may view skeptically. Always pay by check or electronic transfer that creates a record. Get receipts for every payment showing date, amount, and what it covered.
Hiring the Same Contractor to Fix Their Own Defects
After experiencing problems, some homeowners let the same contractor attempt repairs rather than bringing in someone new. This can result in continued substandard work. If the contractor has demonstrated inability or unwillingness to perform quality work, cut your losses and hire a properly licensed contractor to complete or repair the project.
Not Filing Formal Complaints
Some homeowners try to resolve disputes entirely through informal negotiation without filing Contractors License Board complaints. The board complaint process creates official pressure, investigates independently, and can result in disciplinary action and bond recovery. File a complaint even while negotiating.
Signing Completion Documents Prematurely
Before signing any document stating the project is complete or releasing the contractor from further obligations, conduct a thorough final inspection. Create a punch list of all remaining items. Do not sign completion or release documents until all items are truly finished and satisfactory. Once you sign, it becomes harder to pursue remaining defects.
Waiting Too Long to Take Legal Action
Some homeowners spend months or years trying to negotiate while statutes of limitation run and evidence degrades. If a contractor is not responding to reasonable demands within 30 to 60 days, escalate to formal complaints and legal action. Persistent delay usually indicates the contractor will never perform voluntarily.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contractor Disputes in Hawaii
You can verify contractor licenses through the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs website at cca.hawaii.gov. Use the professional license search function to look up the contractor by name or license number. The search will show whether the license is current, the license type and classification, any specialty designations, and whether there are disciplinary actions on record. Make sure the license type covers the work being performed. General contractors can supervise overall projects, but specialty work (electrical, plumbing, etc.) requires appropriate specialty licenses.
If your contractor was unlicensed, you have significant legal remedies under Hawaii law. Under HRS Section 444-22, contracts with unlicensed contractors may be unenforceable by the contractor, meaning they cannot sue you for payment. Courts have allowed property owners to recover money already paid to unlicensed contractors. Additionally, performing contracting work without a license is a criminal offense. You can report the contractor to DCCA and file a civil claim to recover your payments. Document the contractor's unlicensed status through the DCCA website search.
File a complaint with the Contractors License Board through the Hawaii DCCA. You can file online through the DCCA website, by mail to the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division at 335 Merchant Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, or in person at the same location. Your complaint should describe the contractor and project, explain the problems or violations, include documentation (contract, photos, correspondence), and specify the resolution you seek. There is no fee to file. The board will investigate and can impose discipline ranging from fines to license revocation.
You generally have the right to withhold payment for work that is incomplete or defective. However, you should document the specific problems justifying the withholding, calculate the reasonable cost to complete or correct the work, notify the contractor in writing that you are withholding payment and why, give the contractor a reasonable opportunity to cure, and be prepared to defend your withholding in any legal proceeding. Arbitrary or excessive withholding can expose you to claims. Withhold proportionally to the actual deficiency.
You can recover several types of damages. Direct damages include the cost to complete unfinished work and the cost to repair defective work. Consequential damages may include additional expenses caused by the breach, such as temporary housing during delays. If the contractor engaged in unfair or deceptive practices under HRS Chapter 480, you may recover actual damages or $1,000 (whichever is greater), and potentially treble damages plus attorneys' fees for willful violations. If the contractor was unlicensed, you may recover all money paid. Document all damages thoroughly.
Most significant construction and renovation work in Honolulu requires permits from the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting. Generally, permits are required for structural work, electrical work, plumbing work, changes to the building footprint, adding or removing walls, roof work, and major renovations. The contractor is typically responsible for obtaining required permits unless the contract specifically states otherwise. Work done without required permits can create serious problems including code violations, safety hazards, and issues when selling the property.
The statute of limitations for breach of contract claims in Hawaii is six years under HRS Section 657-1. For construction defect claims involving negligence, you generally have two years from discovering the defect under HRS Section 657-8, but not more than ten years after substantial completion of the improvement. These are maximum periods; you should act much sooner to preserve evidence and increase your chances of recovery. File complaints and legal action within the first year of discovering significant problems.
Yes, Hawaii District Court's Small Claims Division handles claims up to $5,000. This is an accessible forum that does not require an attorney. You file your claim at the court, pay a modest filing fee, and present your case at a hearing. Bring all documentation including your contract, evidence of problems, repair estimates, and correspondence. The judge will hear both sides and make a decision. For claims over $5,000 but under $40,000, you can file in regular District Court. Claims over $40,000 go to Circuit Court.
What to Expect When Resolving Contractor Disputes in Honolulu
Understanding realistic outcomes helps you make strategic decisions about how to pursue your contractor dispute. Settlement dynamics depend on factors specific to construction cases in Hawaii.
Contractor disputes in Honolulu typically resolve through several possible paths. Direct negotiation with demand letters works when contractors value their license and reputation. Contractors License Board complaints create official pressure and can result in board-facilitated resolution. Mediation through services like the Mediation Center of the Pacific provides neutral facilitation. Small claims court (up to $5,000) offers binding resolution. Civil litigation handles larger or more complex claims.
Several factors increase your leverage. An unlicensed contractor cannot enforce the contract and may face criminal liability. Clear written contracts establish the contractor's obligations definitively. Thorough documentation of defects makes denial difficult. Independent repair estimates quantify your damages credibly. Contractors License Board complaints threaten the contractor's livelihood. Attorney involvement signals serious intent.
For incomplete work, settlements typically cover the cost to have another contractor finish the job, based on your documented estimates. For defective work, settlements cover repair costs. Where contractors were significantly at fault, settlements may include compensation for inconvenience, additional expenses caused by delays, or other consequential damages. Unlicensed contractor cases may result in return of all money paid. Consumer protection claims under HRS Chapter 480 can result in enhanced damages.
Understanding contractor motivations helps predict responses. Licensed contractors often settle to avoid board complaints that threaten their license. Contractors with ongoing businesses want to avoid negative reviews and reputational damage. Contractors nearing retirement or with financial problems may be less motivated to settle and harder to collect from. Knowing your contractor's situation helps calibrate your strategy.
Demand letter responses typically come within two to four weeks from motivated contractors. Contractors License Board investigations take three to six months or longer. Mediation can resolve disputes in a single session. Small claims court from filing to judgment takes six to twelve weeks. Civil litigation can take a year or more but often settles during the process.
Accept settlement when the amount reasonably covers your completion or repair costs and the contractor shows willingness to pay. Prolonged disputes have costs beyond money, including time, stress, and ongoing inability to complete your project. If a settlement allows you to move forward with repairs and is not grossly inadequate, it may be preferable to extended litigation.
Pursue litigation when the contractor refuses reasonable settlement, when the claim involves significant money, when you have strong evidence of willful wrongdoing that might support enhanced damages, or when holding the contractor publicly accountable matters to you. Hawaii's fee-shifting provisions in consumer protection cases can make litigation economically viable even for moderate claims.
Honolulu Contractor Dispute Resources
These resources assist Honolulu residents with contractor disputes.
Hawaii DCCA Contractors License Board
Regulates contractor licensing and handles complaints. Location: 335 Merchant Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. Phone: (808) 586-3000. Website: cca.hawaii.gov. Services include license verification, complaint investigation, and disciplinary proceedings. File complaints for contractor misconduct, unlicensed contracting, and consumer protection violations.
City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting
Handles building permits, inspections, and code enforcement. Location: 650 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. Phone: (808) 768-8000. Website: honoluludpp.org. Verify permit status, report unpermitted work, and request inspections.
Hawaii District Court - Honolulu
Venue for small claims (up to $5,000) and regular civil cases. Location: 1111 Alakea Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. Phone: (808) 538-5629. Small claims provides an accessible forum for contractor disputes without requiring an attorney.
Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection
Handles consumer complaints including some contractor issues. Location: 235 South Beretania Street, Suite 801, Honolulu, HI 96813. Phone: (808) 586-2636. May assist with deceptive trade practices by contractors.
Mediation Center of the Pacific
Offers mediation services for construction disputes. Location: 245 North Kukui Street, Suite 206, Honolulu, HI 96817. Phone: (808) 521-6767. Website: mediatehawaii.org. Mediation can resolve disputes faster than litigation.
Legal Aid Society of Hawaii
Provides free legal services to low-income residents. Main Office: 924 Bethel Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. Phone: (808) 536-4302. Website: legalaidhawaii.org. May assist with contractor disputes for qualifying individuals.
Hawaii State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
Connects residents with attorneys for construction litigation. Phone: (808) 537-9140. Website: hawaiilawyerreferral.com. Reduced-fee initial consultations available.
Better Business Bureau of Hawaii
Accepts complaints about contractors and provides reliability ratings. Location: 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 615, Honolulu, HI 96813. Phone: (808) 536-6956. Website: bbb.org/hawaii.
Hawaii Building Industry Association
Trade association for construction industry. Phone: (808) 847-4666. May assist with identifying qualified contractors and understanding industry standards.
Hawaii State Judiciary Self-Help Center
Assists self-represented parties with court procedures. Location: 1111 Alakea Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. Phone: (808) 539-4909. Can help with small claims forms and procedures.
The Contractor Checkmate
Contract is King
Written agreement? Good. Verbal? Tougher, but texts and emails can help.
Document the Damage
Photos, videos, expert opinions. Every flaw is evidence.
Money Trail Matters
Payments, invoices, change orders… track every dollar.
The Contractor's Legal Nightmare
Many states require contractors to be licensed, and there can be serious penalties for unlicensed work or abandoning a project.
Hawaii Contractor Disputes Laws
Applicable Laws
- Hawaii Contractor Licensing
- HRS Chapter 444
Small Claims Limit
$5,000
Consumer Protection Agency
Hawaii DCCA PVL
Contractor Combat FAQ
When should I send a demand letter?
After reasonable attempts to resolve the issue directly fail. Give them a chance to fix problems, but don't wait indefinitely.
What if they're unlicensed?
That could be a major advantage. Many states void contracts with unlicensed contractors or allow full refund of payments made.
Can I withhold final payment for incomplete work?
Generally yes, especially if there's a written contract. Document the incomplete items and the amount you're withholding.
What if they filed a mechanic's lien?
You may still have claims against them. Dispute the lien if work wasn't completed satisfactorily. Consider consulting an attorney.
Should I get repair estimates from other contractors?
Yes. Independent estimates document the cost to fix problems and show what proper work should cost.
What about permits they never got?
Unpermitted work creates serious liability. The contractor may be required to obtain permits or undo work at their expense.
Can I recover more than my actual damages?
Often yes. Consumer protection laws may allow double or triple damages, plus attorney fees for contractor fraud or violations.
About FreeDemandLetter
FreeDemandLetter provides free, AI-powered demand letter generation with location-specific legal citations. Our content is reviewed by subject matter specialists and regularly updated to reflect current laws. We help thousands of people resolve disputes effectively—but we're not lawyers, and this isn't legal advice. For complex situations, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.