Department of Budget and Finance

Q: Is there a fee to file a claim for unclaimed property?
A:  There is no fee to file a claim for unclaimed property with the State.  The State of Hawaii Unclaimed Property Program is a public service provided by the State.

Q: Who are professional locators and heir finders?
A:  Professional locators and heir finders are businesses that contact unclaimed property owners to assist in the recovery of abandoned property for a fee.  Laws governing fees and other requirements are included in Chapter 523A-25, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Q: How to I prove ownership of the property?
A:  Proof of ownership is documentation which connects a claimant to information provided by the reporting company.  An affidavit document is not accepted as proof of ownership.

Coincidence of having the same name as that listed on the property does not establish ownership, as there are many people who share the same name.

Q: How long does it take to process a claim?
A:  Claims are processed in the order in which they are received.  Failure to submit a complete claim form and proper documentation will delay the processing of your claim.

Q: I have moved since submitting my claim, what do I do?
A:  Contact the State of Hawaii Unclaimed Property Program as soon as possible to update your mailing address.

Q: I am filing a claim for stock or mutual fund shares, what do I do?
A:  Claimants are advised to contact the State of Hawaii Unclaimed Property Office prior to filing a claim for stock or mutual fund shares.  When filing for stock or mutual fund shares, submit a completed, signed and dated IRS Form W-8 BEN in lieu of an IRS Form W-9.  Claimants that are Non United States Citizens and do not live in the United States must submit a completed, signed and dated W-8 BEN in lieu of an IRS Form W-9.

Q: I am filing a claim for safe deposit box contents, what do I do?
A:  Claimants are advised to contact the State of Hawaii Unclaimed Property Office prior to filing a claim for safe deposit box contents.  When filing for safe deposit box contents submit a receipt from the financial institution evidencing payment of fees or a letter from the financial institution stating that no fees are due.

Q: I am filing a claim for cashier’s check, what document do I need?
A:  The original cashier’s check is required to process the claim.

Q: I have unclaimed property listed under my previous name.  What documentation is required?
A:  Submit a copy of the legal document evidencing the name change.  Documents commonly accepted are birth and marriage certificates and court documents.

Q: I am the parent or legal guardian of a minor who is listed as the owner of unclaimed property.  What documentation is required?
A:  The parent or legal guardian of a minor must submit a copy of the legal document evidencing your relation to the minor.  Documents commonly accepted are birth certificate or court documents appointing the legal guardian.  Also submit a copy of the social security card of the minor.  Payment for the unclaimed property will be made to the reported owner(s).

Q: I have Power of Attorney for a person listed as the owner of unclaimed property.  What documentation is required?
A:  The Power of Attorney document authorizes you to sign the claim form on behalf of the reported owner.  You must submit a copy of the document evidencing your authority to sign as attorney-in-fact.  Payment for the unclaimed property will be made to the reported owner(s).

A Power of Attorney document does not authorize you to file a claim form on behalf of a deceased reported owner.

Q: I am filing a claim on behalf of a dissolved business, what do I do?
A:  Contact the State of Hawaii Unclaimed Property Office prior to filing a claim on behalf of a dissolved business.