A mechanic’s lien is a security interest in real or personal property that is acquired by someone who adds material or labor to improve the property. A mechanic’s lien usually remains in effect until the lien holder (the auto repair shop) is paid for the material or labor added to the property. For a movable piece of property like a car, the property owner’s failure to pay the auto repair shop for material or labor may allow the auto repair shop to keep possession of the car until the owner pays for the material and labor. In the auto repair context, a mechanic’s lien is sometimes called a garageman’s lien.

In Hawaii, a mechanic's lien, also known as a garageman's lien in the context of auto repairs, is a legal claim against a vehicle for unpaid repairs or improvements made by an auto repair shop or mechanic. Under Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 507-61, mechanics and other individuals who furnish labor, materials, supplies, or equipment for the repair or maintenance of a vehicle have the right to a lien on the vehicle. This lien ensures that they can retain possession of the vehicle until they are compensated for their services. The lien is typically perfected by retaining possession of the vehicle and following the statutory requirements for notice and, if necessary, foreclosure of the lien. If the vehicle owner fails to pay the debt owed for the services rendered, the mechanic may eventually sell the vehicle at a public auction to recover the costs after following the proper legal procedures.