A Hawaii power of attorney is a document that gives a person, called “the agent,” the ability to act legally on someone else’s behalf (“the principal”). The agent can decide on health, finance, and property matters when the principal is not present or cannot make these decisions for themselves.
Laws & Requirements
Statute: Uniform Power of Attorney Act, Chapter 551E.
Signing Requirements: The power of attorney form in Hawaii must be notarized and signed by the principal or in the principal’s presence by someone else directed to sign on their behalf (§551E-3).
Hawaii Power of Attorney – By Type
General (Financial) Power of Attorney
Gives the agent the power to make financial decisions on behalf of the principal.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Medical Power of Attorney
Enables an agent to make health and medical decisions on behalf of the principal, including end-of-life care and life support.
Signing Requirements: Two witnesses or a notary public (§ 327E-3).
Durable (Statutory) Power of Attorney
Stays in effect even if the principal becomes incapacitated.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Limited (Special) Power of Attorney
Used for a limited period of time or for a specific task, such as if you need someone to sign legal documents when you cannot physically be present.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Springing Power of Attorney
Comes into effect at a future time and only when a specific event occurs, such as the incapacitation of the principal.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Minor (Child) Power of Attorney
Gives you the ability to sign temporary parental responsibility for your minor child to an agent.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Vehicle Power of Attorney (Form DMVL596-7-14)
Enables the principal (the seller or buyer) to choose an agent who will act on their behalf in vehicle related matters.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Tax Power of Attorney (Form N-848)
Designates an agent to represent the taxpayer’s interests in relation to tax authorities.
Signing Requirements: Taxpayer and attorney-in-fact.
Real Estate Power of Attorney
Authorizes an agent to handle real estate affairs on behalf of the principal.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Revocation of Power of Attorney
Enables the principal to terminate the authority granted to an agent.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
