Parents are generally responsible for (have liability for) intentional, willful, and malicious property damage done by their minor child. Parents may also be liable for the negligent acts of their minor child if the parents were (1) negligent in supervising the child (negligent supervision), or (2) negligent in entrusting the use of a car, gun, boat, motorcycle, or other item (often called an instrumentality) to the child (negligent entrustment).

These parental liability laws vary from state to state; often include age and monetary limits; and may be included in your state’s statutes—often in the family code.

In Hawaii, parents can be held liable for the intentional or willful acts of their minor children that result in property damage. Under Hawaii Revised Statutes §577-3, parents or legal guardians are responsible for the willful or malicious acts of their minor children that cause injury to a person or property. The statute limits the liability to $10,000 for each act of vandalism or injury. Additionally, parents may be liable for negligent supervision if it can be shown that they failed to exercise proper control and supervision over their child, leading to the child's negligent acts. Furthermore, the concept of negligent entrustment applies in Hawaii, meaning that if a parent negligently allows a minor to use an instrumentality such as a car or firearm, and the minor causes damage or injury with it, the parent can be held liable. It's important to note that these laws are subject to specific conditions and limitations, and the application of these laws can vary depending on the circumstances of each case.