Hawaii Real Estate State Practice Exam

The priority of a mechanic's lien is determined by the date on which work commenced. This means that the lien takes effect from the moment the work begins, establishing its position in relation to other liens or claims against the property. When multiple mechanic's liens exist, the earliest one typically has priority over others, which can significantly impact the order in which creditors are paid in the event of a sale or foreclosure.

The amount of the lien, the name of the contractor, and the type of work performed do not affect the priority of the lien itself; rather, they can influence other aspects such as the total claim amount or the nature of the services rendered, but they do not dictate when the lien was established in relation to other claims. Therefore, understanding that the "date on which work commenced" is the key factor in determining the priority of a mechanic's lien is crucial for recognizing how these liens function within the legal framework of property and construction law in Hawaii.