You might be out of luck.
A lien is only specifically applicable to the collection of a debt (from parties who wouldn’t necessarily otherwise be obligated to pay), it doesn’t have any bearing on whether a debt actually exists or whether a contracting arty is obligated to pay. But, losing the ability to secure payment through a lien claim can dramatically decrease the ability to recover payment in some situations.
As noted above, a lien can obligate parties other than the directly contracting party, and can even allow recovery through the property itself. n situations where a party who is supposed to pay goes bankrupt, or experiences cash-flow issues, a lien can be the best bet for making sure payment is made.
Since Hawaii allows parties to waive lien rights in a contract prior to work, it is imperative that participants review their contracts and sign only after understanding what they contain.