Office of the Public Defender

Hawaii wage garnishment is capped at federal limits (25% of disposable income or 30× minimum wage) — and Texas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina ban most consumer wage garnishment entirely.

Hawaii consumers facing debt-collection lawsuits have powerful defenses — federal FDCPA, state consumer protection laws, statutes of limitations, and proof requirements that collectors often can't meet.

Hawaii student loans CAN be discharged in bankruptcy under the "undue hardship" Brunner test, plus DOJ's 2022 guidance has made it dramatically easier. Other federal options — IDR, PSLF, forgiveness — also relevant.