Hawaii HOA Special Assessment Rules (2026)
H.R.S. § 514B-142 (Hawaii Condominium Property Act) · Last reviewed 2026
A special assessment is a one-time charge levied by an HOA board to cover an unexpected or deferred expense not covered by the operating budget or reserve fund. Below are the key rules that govern how Hawaii HOAs may levy special assessments and what rights homeowners have.
Key facts at a glance
Can levy without member vote
Board may levy special assessments for common expenses as authorized by the declaration. Hawaii law requires a reserve study and funded reserve plan — special assessments to cover deferred reserve expenses may require additional disclosure.
Not required by statute
Trigger: Only if required by the community's declaration or bylaws
14 days
Advance written notice to members before assessment levy
Available
Board may levy emergency assessments for imminent threats to persons or property without standard notice.
- Board may levy special assessments as authorized by the declaration
- Hawaii requires reserve studies and funded reserve plans
- 14-day advance notice to members is standard
- Emergency assessments may be levied without standard notice
- Office of Administrative Hearings handles unresolved HOA disputes
Hawaii condo owners may use the Office of Administrative Hearings for formal dispute resolution. IDR and ADR processes are available before litigation.
Hawaii condo lenders are particularly attentive to reserve fund health and pending special assessments given high property values. VA and FHA loans require additional review for buildings with active large assessments.
Managing a Hawaii HOA? Try LotWize free.
LotWize helps self-managed HOA boards in Hawaii track reserve funding, plan budgets, issue violation notices, and communicate with homeowners — all in one place. Reduce the risk of surprise special assessments with built-in reserve health tracking.
Start 14-Day Free TrialThis page provides general legal information only — not legal advice. HOA special assessment laws vary by community type (planned community, condominium, cooperative, etc.) and are subject to change. The information on this page is based on statutes in effect as of 2026 and may not reflect recent legislative changes. Always consult a licensed HOA attorney and review your governing documents before taking action.