Hawaii retainage
Retainage in Hawaii — Sources checked
Who and what this applies to
Public contracts and associated subcontracts under HRS §103-32.1.
The rules
- Under subsection (c), public retention is limited to 5% of the total amount due. After 50% completion with satisfactory progress, further withholding stops; unsatisfactory progress allows continued withholding within the statutory 5% limit. Source
- Under subsection (d), when a subcontractor provides a qualifying bond or acceptable collateral, its retention percentage cannot exceed the prime’s. Subsection (e) permits negotiated subcontract retention up to 10%, subject to (d), and separately governs written notices for other withheld payments. Source
Primary sources
Sources reviewed 2026-09-30. This guide covers the projects and rules stated above.
Not legal advice. This is general legal information. Laws and project facts differ; confirm the applicable requirements for your project.
Back to Hawaii contractor law · Retainage topic guide.
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