Topic guideUpdated 2026-02-27
Hawaii Loan Modification — How to Apply & What to Expect
How to apply for a loan modification in Hawaii, types of modifications available, and protections during review.
Types of loan modifications
- Rate reduction — lowering the interest rate to reduce monthly payments
- Term extension — extending the loan term (e.g., from 20 to 40 years) to reduce monthly payments
- Principal forbearance — setting aside a portion of the balance that does not accrue interest and is due at the end of the loan
- Principal reduction — reducing the total amount owed (rare)
- Combination — modifying multiple terms at once
How to apply
1
Contact your servicer
Call and request a loss mitigation application. Follow up in writing.
2
Submit a complete application
Include all required documents: income verification, tax returns, bank statements, hardship letter, and monthly budget.
3
Dual-tracking protection
Hawaii prohibits dual tracking — the lender cannot move forward with foreclosure while your complete application is being reviewed §667:22.
4
Decision and appeal
The servicer must evaluate your application and notify you of the decision. If denied, you may have the right to appeal.
Alternatives to modification
- Forbearance agreement — temporary reduction or suspension of payments
- Repayment plan — catch up on missed payments over time while making regular payments
- Short sale — sell the property for less than the mortgage balance with lender approval
- Deed in lieu of foreclosure — transfer the property to the lender to avoid foreclosure
⚠Do not stop communicating with your lender. The most common reason for modification denial is an incomplete application. Submit all requested documents promptly and keep copies of everything.
✓Apply for a loan modification as early as possible. The further you are in the foreclosure process, the harder it becomes. Federal rules give you the strongest protections if you apply before a foreclosure filing.
Prepare for Your Consultation
Quick checklist (Foreclosure Defense)
Gather these before your first consultation.
Mortgage docs & notices
(deed of trust, demand letters)
Payment history
(bank statements, escrow)
Correspondence
(lender letters, dates, names)
General preparation tips only. Specific needs depend on your state and lender.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
General answers to common questions. Specific outcomes depend on your facts and timing.
If you have a deadline, court notice, or upcoming hearing, mention it when requesting assistance so timing can be evaluated promptly.
Related guides
Legal authoritiesStatutes referenced on this page
HRS § 667:22
Loss mitigation requirements
Hawaii requires loss mitigation review before foreclosure. Dual-tracking (foreclosing while reviewing a loan modification application) is prohibited.
- Loss mitigation required: yes (state law)
- Dual-tracking prohibited: yes
Verified 2026-07-29 · quarterly review
12 C.F.R. § 1024.41
Federal loss mitigation procedures (Regulation X)
Requires mortgage servicers to evaluate borrowers for loss mitigation options before referring to foreclosure. Prohibits foreclosure referral until borrower is 120+ days delinquent.
- 120-day pre-foreclosure waiting period
- Complete application must be evaluated before proceeding to sale
- Dual-tracking prohibited for complete applications received 37+ days before sale
Citations link to official or authoritative sources. Laws change — verify current text before relying on any statute. How we verify citations →