Asset Forfeiture Program

IMPORTANT: As of July 17, 2020, the suspension for statutory deadlines for administrative asset forfeiture procedure due to COVID-19 has been lifted.  If you need an extension of time to file a petition or claim, please submit a written extension request to us.  Our contact information can be found here.


Asset Forfeiture Unit

The Asset Forfeiture Unit operates pursuant to Chapter 712A of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS). The primary objective of the unit is to administer the disposition of forfeiture petitions pursuant to Section 712A-10, HRS, and manage the storage, maintenance, liquidation and distribution of assets seized and forfeited pursuant to Sections 712A-6, HRS. The Asset Forfeiture Unit has established procedures to be followed when forfeited property is returned to the owner, or used for law enforcement purposes, and when proceeds from the sale of forfeited property are returned to law enforcement agencies to help pay for training and equipment to combat crime.

Asset Forfeiture Program

The Asset Forfeiture Program was created in 1988 by a law enforcement coalition consisting of the Attorney General and the four county prosecutors and police chiefs. The purpose was to create a law which would be both procedurally and substantively comprehensive and, to the extent possible, uniform across the State. The program operates pursuant to Chapter 712A of the Hawaii Revised Statutes and provides a mechanism to enable law enforcement to take away the means by which criminals engage in their unlawful activity and the benefits derived from that unlawful activity.