How Does The Lemon Law Work?

The Hawaii Lemon Law helps consumers who buy or lease new motor vehicles and have repeated problems in getting their vehicles repaired under the manufacturer`s warranty. The Lemon Law can help a consumer get a refund of the vehicle purchase price or a replacement vehicle from the manufacturer. The State Certified Arbitration Program (SCAP) provides the consumer with a selfhelp arbitration process to resolve a warranty dispute with a manufacturer. This Program gives the consumer a less complicated and less expensive option than going to court.

The information in this handbook summarizes the Lemon Law and the procedures involved in requesting and preparing for an arbitration. The law itself is found in Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 481I (Read the Statute by selecting Hawaii under Lemon Law Statutes in the dropdown selection menu at the right side of this screen). The administrative rules which govern the SCAP process are found in Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 16 Chapter 181.

For more information, call:

Oahu
5873222 and choose option #2
Kauai
2743141 then dial 73222, then the # sign.
Maui
9842400 then dial 73222, then the # sign.
Big Island
9744000 then dial 73222, then the # sign.
Lanai/Molokai
18004684644 then dial 73222, then the # sign.

Or write:

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Regulated Industries Complaints Office

Other Hawaii Lemon Law FAQs

Q: Is My Vehicle Covered Under The Lemon Law?
A: Your vehicle may be covered if it is: a new car, including a demonstrator model. This also includes a car transferred to a second purchaser while the manufacturer`s … More
Q: Is My Car A Lemon?
A: Your car may be declared a lemon after going through arbitration if it meets all of the following conditions: it has a nonconformity (a defect, malfunction, or … More
Q: When Does The Lemon Law Rights Period Expire?
A: Assuming the express warranty is still in effect, the Lemon Law Rights Period expires two years after the date of the original delivery of the car to you or the first … More
Q: Is My Car's Nonconformity A Substantial Impairment?
A: The nonconformity you are alleging must substantially impair your car`s use, safety, or value. Substantially impairs means to render the car unfit, unreliable, or … More
Q: How Many Repair Attempts Do I Have To Allow?
A: One or more of the following presumptions should apply to your car: Three times presumption you took your car in for repair for the same nonconformity at least three … More
Q: What Should I Do If I Think I Qualify For Arbitration?
A: Letter to manufacturer. Send a letter by certified mail, return receipt requested to the manufacturer within the Lemon Law Rights Period. Send it to the address given … More
Q: Can I Settle My Case Without Going To Arbitration?
A: Yes, if the manufacturer offers you a settlement of your case, you are free to negotiate with the manufacturer regarding the terms of the settlement, and you are free … More
Q: How Should I Prepare For The Arbitration?
A: Collect and organize your evidence. For example, arrange repair orders by date. If you are asking for collateral charges * (such as tinting costs) or incidental … More
Q: Where Do I Go For The Lemon Law Arbitration Hearing?
A: Hearings on Oahu are held at 235 S. Beretania Street, 9th Floor. Neighbor island hearings are held at various locations on those islands.
Q: How Long Will The Hearing Take?
A: Hearings usually last from two to four hours depending on the complexities of the case and whether attorneys or witnesses are involved.

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