Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657D § 657D-27
Extension of benefits to dependents.
Operative Text
Dependents of a person in military service shall be entitled to the benefits accorded to persons in military service under this part upon application to a court therefor, unless in the opinion of the court the ability of these dependents to comply with the terms of the obligation, contract, lease, or bailment has not been materially impaired by reason of the military service of the person upon whom the applicants are dependent. [L 1994, c 257, pt of §2]
Hawaii Revised Statutes § 657D-27 extends the same legal protections available to active military servicemembers to their dependents, such as spouses or children. A dependent can apply to a court to receive these benefits in connection with obligations, contracts, leases, or bailments. However, a court may deny the protections if it finds that the dependent's ability to meet the terms of the relevant agreement has not been meaningfully affected by the servicemember's military service.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657D-27, a landlord or property manager may encounter situations where a tenant who is a military dependent—rather than the servicemember directly—seeks the same lease-related protections afforded to servicemembers. Compliant operators generally review any court application for dependent benefits carefully and recognize that a court, not the landlord, determines whether the protections apply. Maintaining clear records of lease terms and any communications with dependent tenants can help operators respond appropriately if a court proceeding arises.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657D-27 establishes that dependents of military servicemembers have the right to seek the same statutory protections as the servicemember themselves by filing an application with a court. If a landlord disputes whether these protections apply, the court will assess whether the dependent's ability to fulfill lease or contract obligations has been materially affected by the servicemember's military duties. Dependents who believe they qualify may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or a legal aid office familiar with military family protections to understand the application process.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 23, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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