Key Towing Laws in Hawaii
County Regulation
Each county (Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai) has its own towing regulations and fee schedules.
Honolulu Specific Rules
The City and County of Honolulu has detailed towing ordinances including rate caps and operator licensing requirements.
Island-Specific Considerations
Limited towing options on smaller islands may affect pricing and availability.
Tourist Vehicle Protections
Additional regulations protect rental car users from predatory towing practices.
Notification & Signage Requirements
Police Notification
For private-property tows under HRS 290-11, the towing company must mail notice of the car's location by registered or certified mail to the legal and last registered owners within fifteen days, unless their name or address cannot be determined. For police-ordered and accident tows under HRS 291C-165.5 the limit is twenty days. County ordinances may differ.
Signage Requirements
A notice visible from each restricted parking space (or at each entrance if the whole lot is restricted) saying unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense and naming the storage facility, its address, and phone.
Your Rights in Hawaii
- Right to the applicable maximum towing and storage fees under state or county law
- Right to mailed notice of your vehicle's location under the applicable towing law
- Right to dispute charges
- Right to rental car-specific protections
How to File a Complaint in Hawaii
Complaint Agency
If you believe you were unfairly towed or overcharged, file a complaint with:
Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection
Visit WebsiteSteps to File a Complaint:
- Document everything: take photos of signage, your parking location, vehicle condition, and all receipts.
- Note the date, time, tow company name, driver name, and truck number if available.
- To file a formal complaint, contact the Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection.
- Consider filing in small claims court if you believe you are owed money for an illegal or improper tow.
Official Sources & Legal References
The fees and rules on this page are drawn from these primary sources - official statutes, administrative codes, and state regulator schedules. We link them so you can verify every figure yourself.
Regulated by Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Hawaii's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
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