Consumer debt consists of personal debts for goods purchased for personal or household consumption—as opposed to debts incurred for the operation of a business. Common examples of consumer debt include (1) credit card debt; (2) student loans; (3) home mortgage loans; (4) car or auto loans; (5) payday loans; (6) medical debts; and (7) unpaid utility and telephone bills.

In Hawaii, consumer debt is regulated by both state statutes and federal laws. Credit card debt, student loans, home mortgage loans, auto loans, payday loans, medical debts, and unpaid utility and telephone bills are all considered consumer debts when they are for personal or household use. Hawaii follows the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), a federal law that protects consumers from abusive debt collection practices. The state also has its own laws that govern the practices of debt collectors and the rights of consumers, such as the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 443B, which regulates collection agencies. Additionally, Hawaii has laws that address specific types of debt, such as the regulation of payday loans under HRS Chapter 480F, which imposes limits on the interest rates and fees that lenders can charge. Consumers in Hawaii are also protected under the federal Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), which provide guidelines for fair and transparent credit and lending practices. It's important for consumers to understand their rights and obligations under these laws, and they may seek advice from an attorney if they face issues with consumer debt.