In the year 2000, we were successful in getting condominium associations a limited priority lien for delinquent assessments. The limited priority lien is for up to 6 months of delinquent assessments or $1,800.00, whichever was smaller. This means that a portion of the condominium association’s lien will be paid before the mortgage on the unit. The limited priority lien statute is contained in HRS §514B-146(g) & (h).

As part of a compromise with the mortgage bankers, the law included a couple of provision, including that the limited priority lien would automatically end in December, 2003. In 2003, that sunset date was extended to December 31, 2007.

On April 17, 2007, Governor Lingle signed into law SB923 which repealed the sunset date. This means that the limited priority lien is now a permanent part of the condominium law.