Hawaii Real Estate State Practice Exam

The priority of a mechanic's lien is determined primarily by the date work commenced. This means that the lien takes precedence based on the date when the labor or materials were first provided to improve the property. In essence, the earlier the work begins, the higher the priority of that lien against others that may be filed later.

When determining priority, it is essential to ensure that the lien is filed in accordance with local laws and within the necessary timeframes established for the duration of the project. Unlike other types of liens, where recording dates may dictate priority, mechanic's liens specifically regard the commencement of work as a critical factor since it indicates the initiation of the contractor or supplier’s stake in the property's value.

Other potential factors such as the value of the work completed, the size of the property, or when the lien is recorded do not hold the same significance in establishing priority for a mechanic's lien as the actual date the work started.