Whenever small amounts of cash come into the hands of the administrator of a psychiatric facility, the administrator may, without seeking the appointment of a guardian, deposit the money in a bank or other financial institution and from time to time as the administrator may determine apply the same or any part thereof for the benefit of the patient, provided that so long as a guardian is not appointed, the administrator shall not apply any part of the cash for the maintenance of the patient in the facility.
HRS § 334-23