Source: http://www.courts.state.hi.us/docs/court_rules/rules/rcch.htm
Timestamp: 2015-04-01 13:11:14
Document Index: 664878957

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 607', '§ 507', '§ 607', '§ 507', '§ 431', '§657', '§657']

(SCRU-11-0000632)
of the State of Hawai‘i
As adopted February 11, 1971
With Amendments as Noted
RULES OF THE CIRCUIT COURTS
Rule 1. CLASSIFICATION OF PROCEEDINGS
Rule 1.1. CONSTRUCTION OF RULES
Rule 2. FILING PROCEDURE
(b) Stamp by clerk
(c) Docket entry and filing
(d) Service of pleadings and other documents
(1) Filing: Original kept on file; copies for service
(2) Service and filing of interrogatories and other discovery
(e) Wills
(f) Place of filing
Rule 2.1. EX OFFICIO FILING
Rule 2.2. COSTS AND FEES TO BE COLLECTED BY THE CLERK
Rule 3. FORM OF PLEADINGS AND MOTIONS
(b) No flyleaf shall be attached to any document
(c) Form of first page
(d) Two or more pleadings or other documents filed together
(e) Sanctions
(f) Forms furnished by the court
Rule 4. PARTIES WITHOUT COUNSEL
Rule 5. SERVICE OF PAPERS AND PROOF THEREOF
(a) Service required
(b) Proof of service
Rule 6. WITHDRAWAL OF PAPERS AND EXHIBITS
Rule 7. FORM OF MOTIONS
(b) Opposition and reply
(c) Required notice; effect of failure to appear
(d) Motions for continuance
(e) Consent of party to continuance of trial
(f) Time to file motion
(g) Declaration in lieu of affidavit
Rule 7.1. LENGTH OF MEMORANDA
Rule 7.2. CIVIL MOTIONS PRACTICE
(b) Designation as hearing or non-hearing motion
(c) Non-hearing motions
(d) Form of motions
(e) Discovery motions
(f) Ex parte motions
(g) Presentation of motions; copies for judge
(1) Hearing Motions
(A) Cases assigned to a judge
(B) Cases not assigned to a judge
(2) Non-hearing motions
(3) Ex parte motions
(4) Application for oral hearing
(5) Motion to shorten time for, advance, or reschedule hearing
(6) Copies for judge
(A) First Circuit
(B) Second, Third, and Fifth Circuits
Rule 8. SETTING OF MOTIONS
Rule 9. TITLES TO ORDERS
Rule 10. ORDERS GRANTABLE BY THE CLERK
(a) Orders on consent extending time
(b) Orders granting extension
(c) Substitution of attorneys
(d) Judgments
(e) Other orders
Rule 10.1. REPEALED AND RESERVED.
Rule 11. PROOF OF PUBLICATION
Rule 12. READY CIVIL CALENDAR
(a) Preparation of calendar by clerk
(b) Pretrial statement
(c) Selection of trial date and consideration of alternative dispute
(d) Extension of time to file pretrial statement
(e) Designation and order of actions
(f) Motion to strike from calendar
(g) Restoration to calendar
(h) Responsive pretrial statement
(i) Extension of time to file responsive pretrial statement
(j) Amending pretrial statements
(k) Designation as complex litigation
(2) Motion for designation
(3) Case management conferences
(4) Complex case management order(s)
(l) Final naming of witnesses
(m) Further discovery
(n) Exclusion of witnesses
(o) Additional witness
(p) Deviation in time for filing
(q) Dismissal for want of prosecution
(r) Discovery cut off
(s) Additional party practice
(t) Sanctions
Rule 12.1 CIVIL SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE; SETTLEMENT
CONFERENCE STATEMENT; CONFIDENTIAL SETTLEMENT
(a) Settlement conference
(b) Settlement conference statement
(1) For the plaintiff
(2) For the defendants
(c) Confidential settlement conference letter
Rule 12.2. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (a) Authority to order
(b) Factors to consider; fees and expenses
(c) Selection of the neutral
(d) Disclosure
(e) Physical presence of counsel and parties required
(f) Communication by parties, counsel, neutral, and the court
Rule 13. TRIAL CALENDARS AND THE FIRST CIRCUIT ON-CALL
STATUS; CIVIL CASES
(a) Trial calendars
(b) The first circuit on-call status
Rule 14. DISTRICT COURT CASES, DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL,
WITHDRAWAL OF DEMAND
(a) Notification; demand for jury trial of additional issues
(b) Waiver or withdrawal of demand
Rule 15. EXPEDITION OF COURT BUSINESS
(a) Required notice
(b) Effect of failure to appear
Rule 16. DEPOSITIONS
(a) Preparation and sealing by officer taking deposition
(b) Depositions taken outside this state
(c) Unsigned depositions.
(d) Sealing
Rule 17. CONDUCT OF A TRIAL
(a) Sequence of presentation
(b) Address to jury is not instruction upon the law
(c) Instruction to the jury
(d) Presence of counsel at verdict.
(e) Limitations on number of counsel
(f) Sequence for challenging of jurors
Rule 18. PRE-TRIAL DISCLOSURE AND MARKING OF EXHIBITS
(a) Disclosures and exhibits
(b) Effect of pre-trial order
Rule 19. STIPULATIONS AND ORDERS THEREON
(a) Forms of stipulations and orders
(b) Stipulations extending or enlarging time
Rule 20. INSTRUCTIONS TO JURIES
(a) Requests for instruction
(b) Copy of charge for jurors
Rule 21. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSED FINDINGS OF FACT AND
Rule 22. REQUEST FOR DRAFT OF DECISION ON ISSUE OF LAW
Rule 23. SETTLEMENT OF JUDGMENTS, DECREES, AND ORDERS
(b) Party Approval or Objection to Form; Delivery to Court
(c) No Waiver of Right to Appeal
(d) Court Approval; Sanctions
(e) Request for Entry
Rule 24. IMMEDIATE NOTICE OF COURT ACTION
Rule 25. ORDER FOR TRANSCRIPT OF EVIDENCE
Rule 25.1. RECORDING OF TESTIMONY AND PROCEEDINGS
(a) Preservation of testimony
(b) Effect of certain terms; obtaining transcript
(c) Preparation of transcript
Rule 26. ATTORNEY'S LIABILITY FOR COSTS; DISQUALIFICATION OF
(a) Liability for court costs
(b) Who may not be surety
Rule 27. PREPARATION OF CLERK'S MINUTES AND DEPOSIT OF
Rule 28. DISMISSAL FOR WANT OF SERVICE
Rule 29. DISMISSAL FOR WANT OF PROSECUTION IN DEFAULT CASES
Rule 30. INTERROGATORIES AND ADMISSIONS
(a) Objection by party
Rule 31. PROCEEDINGS NOT GOVERNED BY HAWAI‘I RULES OF CIVIL
Rule 32. INAPPLICABILITY OF RULES
Rule 33. PROCEDURES FOR PROCESSING POST-CONVICTION PRISONER
(a) Submission to office of clerk; docketing; SPP number
(b) Disposition
Rule 34. HAWAI‘I ARBITRATION RULES
Exhibit A. Hawai‘i Arbitration Rules
Exhibit B. Non-Hearing Motions
RULES OF THE CIRCUIT COURTS OF THE STATE OF HAWAI‘I
Rule 1. CLASSIFICATION OF
All proceedings shall be divided into classes,
viz.: CIVIL; CRIMINAL; CONSERVATORSHIP;
CONSERVATORSHIP-GUARDIANSHIP; SMALL
CONSERVATORSHIP; PROBATE;
GUARDIANSHIP; SMALL ESTATE; SMALL
GUARDIANSHIP; TRUST; SPECIAL
PROCEEDINGS; MECHANIC'S AND
MATERIALMAN'S LIEN; AND FAMILY COURT. Proceedings in mandamus, habeas corpus, quo
warranto, prohibition and any other proceedings not
specifically included herein shall be classified under
special proceedings. (Amended May 31, 2005, effective July 1, 2005.)
Rule 1.1. CONSTRUCTION OF RULES.
These rules shall be construed and administered
to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive
determination of every action.
(Added August 26, 2011, effective January 1,
Rule 2. FILING PROCEDURE.
(a) Classification. Upon the filing of the initial
pleading or other documents, and before the issuance
of process, the clerk shall classify and assign a
number to such proceeding. All subsequent pleadings
and documents to be filed shall bear the number
assigned to the initial documents, which shall appear
on the first page. (b) Stamp by clerk. The clerk shall promptly
stamp the time and date upon all documents filed. (c) Docket entry and filing. Upon the filing of
any documents, an appropriate entry shall be made in
a docket sheet kept for each case. Each case shall be
filed separately and its file shall contain an index
sheet identifying particularly each document in such
file and stating the date of filing. (d) Service of pleadings and other documents. (1) Filing: Original kept on file; copies for
service. Subject to subsection (2) of this subsection
(d), pertaining to interrogatories and other discovery
documents, when a pleading or other document
requiring service is presented for filing, the original
shall be accompanied with a sufficient number of
copies for service. The original shall be kept on file
by the clerk, provided, however, the original
summons may be withdrawn by the serving officer.
Service may be made with the certified copy or
copies of the documents together with the certified
copy or copies of the summons, and the serving
officer shall make proof of service to the court
promptly by returning the original summons to the
clerk. (2) Service and filing of interrogatories
and other discovery documents.
(A) The filing of interrogatories and other
discovery documents shall be governed by Rule 5 of
the Hawai‘i Rules of Civil Procedure or Hawai‘i
Family Court Rules.
(B) A party seeking admissions or answers to
interrogatories shall serve 2 copies of the request for
admissions or interrogatories upon the party from
whom the admissions or answers are sought.
(C) A discovery request shall be served on all
parties. The discovery response shall also be served
on all parties, except as provided in (D).
(D) Copies of documents produced pursuant to a
request for production need not be served upon a
party that did not make, or join in, the request and
pay for the costs of production.
(e) Wills. In domiciliary probate cases, the
original and a certified copy of the will shall be filed,
together with the initial petition. (f) Place of filing. Pleadings and documents for
filing shall be presented to the Office of the Clerk
except as otherwise directed by the court. The clerk
shall furnish certified copies of all documents filed if
so requested at the time of filing. (Amended March 6, 1980, effective March 6,
1980, further amended March 16, 1984, partly
effective March 16, 1984, fully effective May 1,
1984; further amended August 26, 2011, effective
January 1, 2012.)
Rule 2.1.EX OFFICIO FILING.
The respective clerks of the circuit courts shall be ex officio clerks of all the courts of record and as
such may accept documents for filing and may issue
summons returnable in all such courts. The party
filing the ex officio document, shall, on the day of
filing, notify the trial court of the ex officio filing
and provide the required copies to the trial judge’s chambers in an expeditious manner consistent with
Rule 7.2(g)(6) of these Rules. (Added July 26, 1990, effective September 1,
1990; further amended March 20, 2014, effective
July 1, 2014.)
Rule 2.2. COSTS AND FEES TO BE
COLLECTED BY THE CLERK.
The clerk shall collect costs and fees provided by
Chapter 607 of the Hawai‘i Revised Statutes except
that the clerk shall collect the amounts specified
herein as follows:
1. For copies of any document in any public
record maintained by the clerk:
a. in the clerk's office:
i. $1.00 for the first page
ii. $.50 for each additional page
b. in an off-site storage location: $5.00 plus usual copying charge
c. on microfilm:
i. $5.00 when provided by the clerk plus
ii. $1.00 per page when obtained via self-service
2. For telefaxing of any document in any public
record, the applicable charges plus:
i. within Hawai‘i:
$2.00 first page
$1.00 each additional page
ii. outside Hawai‘i, within the United
iii. outside the United States: $10.00 first page
3. For copies of audio tapes, electronic copy of
any document: $10.00
4. For copies of video tapes: cost of production
5. For any expedited or rush requests (copy(ies)
provided within 4 hours if request received before
noon):
$10.00 plus all other applicable charges
6. Transfer of an action to circuit court from
district court, in addition to district court fees: $125.00
7. Certification under seal of a copy of a
pleading or other paper subsequent to the initial filing
of the pleading or paper, except the record on appeal: $2.00
8. Making of copy; comparing of copy with
original; certification or authentication of notaries:
9. Ex officio filing (in addition to the
usual filing fee): $10.00
10. Exemplification, instead of item (26) in HRS
§ 607-5(c): $4.00
11. Filing of notary commission: $6.00
12. Filing of initial paper under HRS § 507-43
by person asserting mechanic's or materialman's lien
(in addition to the fee prescribed by part I of HRS
§ 607-5 for bringing an action under HRS § 507-47): $30.00
13. Notice of completion of contract: $5.00
14. Filing of motion to set aside dismissal
pursuant to Rules 12(q), 28, and 29 of these rules:
15. Search of records by the clerk (when a
request does not include a case number that is
available through a self-search of case record
indexes): $5.00
16. Retrieval of files from storage: $5.00
17. Parties to a pending case shall not be
charged for the first copy of the court order, opinion,
judgment or any other item entered in the case by the
court, whether provided on paper or electronically.
18. The clerk shall charge the actual cost of
mailing paper copies of any item, provided that the
parties to a pending case shall not be charged for the
mailing of the first paper copy of a court order,
opinion, or other item entered in the case by the
19. The court may waive costs and fees for good
cause shown. In lieu of copying and mailing fees, the
administrative judge or the senior judge of the family
court division may authorize the clerk to provide
copies of orders, opinions, or other items to
publishing companies in exchange for published
materials for the benefit of the court or the judiciary.
(Added June 15, 2005, effective July 1, 2005;
further amended November 23, 2005, effective
January 1, 2006; further amended and effective
February 19, 2009; further amended October 23,
2012, effective January 1, 2013.)
Rule 3. FORM OF PLEADINGS AND
(a) Form. All pleadings and documents to be
filed shall be typewritten, printed, photocopied, or
otherwise similarly prepared by a duplication process
that will produce clear and permanent copies equally
legible to printing, upon unruled, opaque, unglazed
white paper of standard quality not less than thirteen
pound weight, 8 1/2 x 11 inches in size and each
sheet shall have a margin at the top and bottom of 1
inch (except as otherwise provided in paragraph (c)
of this rule). The left-hand and right-hand side
margin shall be not less than 1 inch. Such documents
shall be typewritten in heavily inked black ribbon or
printed in black. The type shall be standard 12 point
pica or equivalent. Copies, but not originals, may be
two-sided, and the lines on each page shall be
double-spaced or one and one-half spaced; provided,
however, descriptions of real property, and
quotations, may be single spaced. All pages shall be
numbered consecutively at the bottom and shall be
firmly bound together at the top. Exhibits may be fastened to pages of the specified size and, when
prepared by a machine-copying process, shall be
equal to typewritten material in legibility and
permanency of image. Signatures and all other
handwritten entries on documents shall be in black
ink. (b) No flyleaf shall be attached to any
document. No flyleaf shall be attached to any
document. All documents shall be filed without backs
and shall be neat, clean, legible and free of
interlineations. (c) Form of first page. The first page of each document, except as provided hereinbelow in (d),
shall be in the following form: (1) The space at the top left of the center of the
page shall contain the name, code number, office
address and telephone number of the attorney for the
party in whose behalf the document is filed, or of the
party if he is appearing in person; (2) The space at the top right of the center of the
page shall be left blank for the use of the clerk of the
court; (3) Next, there shall be centered the name of the
court, which shall be not less than 3 inches from the
top of the page; (4) Next, the space to the left of the center of the
page shall contain the title of the cause (which title
shall include the names of all of the parties in the
initial pleading, but thereafter may be appropriately
abbreviated); (5) In the space to the right of the title of the
cause, there shall be listed the class and case number
followed in civil cases by the category best
describing the claims asserted in the case and
followed in all cases by a title describing the
document (which shall include an appropriate
notation if a jury trial is demanded in the document). The category best describing the claims asserted
in a civil case shall be selected from the following: Agency Appeal
Agreement of Sale Foreclosure
Motor Vehicle Tort
Other Civil Action
Other Non-Vehicle Tort
(6) Certification or acknowledgment of service
may be entered at the bottom margin.
(7) Each document shall indicate below the title
(A) the name of the judge or "none" if the case is
not assigned to a judge, and
(B) the trial date or "none" if the case has not
been set for trial. (8) In cases involving multiple plaintiffs or
defendants, the title of any pleading or other
document shall identify:
(A) The name of the party filing the pleading or
other document; and
(B) In the case of a responsive pleading or other
document (i) the name of the party that filed the
pleading or other document to which the responsive
pleading or other document is addressed and (ii) the
title and filing date of the pleading or other document
to which the responsive pleading or other document
(d) Two or more pleadings or other
documents filed together. Where 2 or more
pleadings or other documents are filed together, only
the first page of the first document shall follow all of
the requirements of (c) hereinabove; and in addition
thereto, there shall be listed, after the case number
and before the title of the document, the title of all of
the documents that are being filed together. The top
of the first page of each document other than the first
shall start with the name of the court and include the
class and case number, the title of the cause and the
title of the document, in appropriate spaces as set
forth in (c) hereinabove. (e) Sanctions. The court may impose sanctions
for non-compliance with these rules. (f) Forms furnished by the court. The court
shall furnish such forms as shall have been approved
by the supreme court, and those forms shall be used
by counsel in all appropriate instances. Such forms
shall not be subject to the format requirements of this
rule. (Amended June 21, 1983, partly effective July 1,
1983, fully effective July 1, 1984; further amended
April 23, 1984, fully effective July 1, 1984; further
amended July 26, 1990, effective September 1, 1990;
further amended January 9, 1996, effective March 1,
1996; further amended June 23, 1997 and July 2,
1997, effective August 1, 1997; further amended
October 8, 2004, effective January 1, 2005; further
amended August 26, 2011, effective January 1,
Rule 4. PARTIES WITHOUT COUNSEL.
Parties who appear in person without counsel
shall notify the clerk in writing of their names, their
mailing and residence addresses, and telephone
numbers and shall keep the clerk informed by proper
written notices of changes in the addresses and
telephone numbers so given. All such notices shall be
duly indexed and filed in the folio for the case. Rule 5. SERVICE OF PAPERS AND PROOF
(a) Service required. In all civil actions,
pleadings and papers shall be served as provided in
the Hawai‘i Rules of Civil Procedure. (b) Proof of service. Proof of service may be by
written acknowledgment of service, by affidavit of
the person making service, or by any other proof
satisfactory to the court, unless otherwise provided
by law or by the Hawai‘i Rules of Civil Procedure. A
party who has been prejudiced by failure to receive
due notice or to be served, or who has been
prejudiced by reason that service was made by mail,
may apply to the court for appropriate relief. Rule 6. WITHDRAWAL OF PAPERS AND
The clerk shall permit no pleading or paper to be
taken from his custody except as provided by Rule
2(d), or as ordered by the judge. Exhibits may be
withdrawn on the written approval of a judge against
a written receipt therefor, and the party shall file a
copy in its place unless otherwise ordered. Unless
otherwise ordered by the court, the parties in all civil
actions shall withdraw all exhibits not attached to the
pleadings, and all interrogatories, answers thereto,
and depositions within one year after final judgment.
If not so withdrawn, they shall be deemed abandoned
and may be disposed of by the clerk. Rule 7. FORM OF MOTIONS.
(a) Form. All motions, except when made
during a hearing or trial, shall be in writing, shall
state the grounds therefor, shall set forth the relief or
order sought, and if involving a question of law shall
be accompanied by a memorandum in support of the
motion. Every motion, except one entitled to be
heard ex parte, shall be accompanied by a notice of
hearing or of setting for hearing thereof. The motion
may be stated in the notice of hearing. If a motion
requires the consideration of facts not appearing of
record, it shall be supported by affidavit. The motion
shall be filed and served on all parties not less than
18 days before the date set for the hearing. (b) Opposition and reply. An opposing party
may serve and file counter affidavits and a
memorandum in opposition to the motion, which
shall be served and filed not less than 8 days before
the date set for the hearing, except as otherwise
provided by the Hawai‘i Rules of Civil Procedure or
ordered by the Court. The movant may file and serve
a reply not less than 3 days before the date set for the
hearing. A reply must respond only to arguments
raised in the opposition. Unless permitted by another
rule or statute, no party may file or serve any papers
other than those provided for in this rule. No party
may file any papers less than 3 days before the date
set for the hearing unless otherwise ordered by the
court. (c) Required notice; effect of failure to
appear. A party who does not oppose or who intends
to support a motion, or who desires a continuance,
shall immediately give written notification to the
court and opposing counsel. Failure to appear at the
hearing may be deemed a waiver of objections to the
granting of the motion. (d) Motions for continuance. If a date has been
assigned for trial of an action, a motion for
continuance of the trial shall include on the first page
of the notice of motion the trial date assigned and any previously assigned trial dates. (e) Consent of party to continuance of trial.
A motion for continuance of any assigned trial date,
whether or not stipulated to by respective counsel,
shall be granted only upon a showing of good cause,
which shall include a showing that the client-party
has consented to the continuance. Consent may be
demonstrated by the client-party's signature on a
motion for continuance or by the personal
appearance in court of the client-party. (f) Time to file motion. Unless otherwise
ordered for good cause shown, all pretrial motions
that request entry of judgment or dismissal of any
claim shall be filed not later than 50 days prior to the
assigned trial date. (g) Declaration in lieu of affidavit. In lieu of an affidavit, an unsworn declaration may be made by
a person, in writing, subscribed as true under penalty
of law, and dated, in substantially the following form: I, (name of person) , do declare
under penalty of law that the foregoing is
(Signature) (Amended June 22, 1983, effective July 1, 1983,
further amended May 24, 1984, effective July 1,
1984; further amended July 26, 1990, effective
September 1, 1990; further amended November 22,
1994, effective December 5, 1994; further amended
September 11, 1996, effective January 1, 1997;
further amended May 15, 1997, effective June 2,
1997.) Rule 7.1. LENGTH OF MEMORANDA.
Memoranda in support of or in opposition to any
motion shall not exceed 20 pages in length exclusive
of affidavits, exhibits and attachments. Reply
memoranda shall not exceed 10 pages in length
exclusive of affidavits, exhibits and attachments.
Upon the filing of an ex parte motion, and for good
cause shown, the court may grant permission to
exceed page limits. All attached exhibits shall have
appropriately labeled tabs. Memoranda exceeding 15
pages shall have a table of contents and a table of
authorities. (Added September 11, 1996, effective January 1,
Rule 7.2. CIVIL MOTIONS PRACTICE.
(a) Applicability. Rule 7.2 applies only to cases
that are governed by the Hawai‘i Rules of Civil
(b) Designation as hearing or non-hearing
motion. All written motions, other than motions
entitled to be heard ex parte or those listed in Exhibit
B attached to these rules, shall be designated as
hearing motions and calendared for oral hearing;
provided that discovery motions brought pursuant to
Rules 26 through 37 of the Hawai‘i Rules of Civil
Procedure shall be governed by subsection (e) of this
(c) Non-hearing motions. Non-hearing motions
shall be decided on written submissions, unless
otherwise ordered by the court. The court, in its
discretion, may set any non-hearing motion for
hearing, sua sponte, or upon application by a party
pursuant to subsection (g)(4) of this rule. A non-hearing motion shall be accompanied by a notice of
motion that provides notice of the deadline by which
a response must be filed and served. Any opposition
to a non-hearing motion shall be filed and served no
later than 10 days after the service date indicated on
the certificate of service accompanying the motion or
no later than 12 days after the service date if the
motion is served by mail. Any reply shall be filed and
served no later than 3 days after the service of the
opposition or 5 days after the service date if the
opposition is mailed. No party may file any
documents later than 5 days after the service date of
the opposition, unless otherwise ordered by the court.
(d) Form of motions. In addition to the
requirements of Rule 3 of these rules:
(1) Every motion and any document submitted
concerning such motion shall indicate below the title
of the document:
(A) the title of the motion;
(B) the name of the judge;
(C) the hearing date and time, if applicable; and
(D) the trial date or “none” if a trial date has not
been set:
HEARING MOTION
JUDGE: _________________
HEARING DATE: ________
HEARING TIME: ________
TRIAL DATE: ___________
NON-HEARING MOTION
(2) Hearing and non-hearing motions shall be
presented in a form that substantially complies with
Form C (1-5) (Hearing Motion) and Form D (1-5)
(Non-Hearing Motion) of the Appendix of Forms
attached to these rules.
(e) Discovery motions:
(1) Any discovery motion brought pursuant to
Procedure shall be designated, at the option of the
moving party, a hearing motion or a non-hearing
motion, except as provided in subsection (e)(2)
below or as otherwise ordered by the court.
(2) The following discovery motions shall be
hearing motions:
(A) motion concerning a protective order;
(B) motion concerning sequence of discovery
under Rule 26(d) of the Hawai‘i Rules of Civil
(C) motion for discovery conference under Rule
26(f) of the Hawai‘i Rules of Civil Procedure; and
(D) motion concerning discovery cut-off.
(f) Ex parte motions. A motion entitled to be
heard ex parte shall
(1) cite the statute, rule, or other authority
authorizing the court to entertain the motion ex parte;
(2) be supported by an affidavit or declaration
stating the reason(s) for filing the motion ex parte,
the efforts made to notify parties, and, if the motion
is to shorten time or advance a hearing pursuant to
subsection (g)(5) of this rule, the efforts made to
obtain a stipulation or response from the other parties
in the case or the reason(s) why no attempt was
(3) be accompanied by a proposed order; and
(4) be served on the date that the motion was
presented to the court.
(g) Presentation of motions; copies for judge. Unless otherwise provided by Rule 6 of the Hawai‘i
Court Records Rules, the following rules shall apply:
(1) Hearing Motions.
(A) Cases Assigned to a Judge. (i) In the First Circuit, except for cases that fall
under (a) – (c) below, and as otherwise provided by
HRS § 431:10C-213(b) and the Hawai‘i Arbitration
Rules attached as Exhibit A to these rules, the
assigned judge shall designate the date and time of a
hearing motion or joinder. Upon presentation of the
hearing motion or joinder to the assigned judge, the
motion or joinder shall be date-stamped, indicating
date of receipt. Upon designation of the hearing date
and time, the motion or joinder shall be transmitted
to the Legal Documents Branch/Section for filing. Motions falling under any of the following
exceptions shall be presented to the Legal Documents
Branch/Section, instead of the assigned judge, for
designation of a hearing/return date and time, if
applicable, and filing:
(a) Civil Administrative Judge’s Hearing
Motions (not related to the Court Annexed
Arbitration Program);
(b) Ex Parte Motions for Service by Publication,
Examination of Judgment Debtor, and Issuance of
Garnishee Summons; and (c) Motions in Foreclosure Actions. (ii) In the Second, Third, and Fifth Circuits, for
motions not falling under the Hawai‘i Arbitration
Rules, the filing party may
(a) contact the assigned judge’s chambers for the
hearing date and time and subsequently submit the
motion with the hearing date and time to the Legal
Documents Branch/Section for filing or
(b) present the motion to the Legal Documents
Branch/Section which will coordinate with the
assigned judge to assign a hearing date and time.
(B) Cases Not Assigned to a Judge. A hearing
motion or joinder for a case that is not assigned to a
judge shall be presented to the Legal Documents
Branch/Section for assignment to a judge. Upon
assignment to a judge, the appropriate procedures in
subsection (g)(1)(A) shall apply. (2) Non-Hearing Motions. A non-hearing
motion or joinder shall be presented to the Legal
Documents Branch/Section for filing.
(3) Ex Parte Motions.
(A) Cases Assigned to a Judge. An ex parte
motion accompanied by a proposed order shall be
dated and stamped “lodged” or “received” by the
Legal Documents Branch/Section clerk, listed on the
docket, and transmitted to the assigned judge. Upon
the judge’s action on the motion, it shall be
transmitted to the Legal Documents Branch/Section
for filing, as well as for the designation of a
hearing/return date and time pursuant to subsection
(g)(1)(A)(i)(b), if applicable.
(B) Cases Not Assigned to a Judge. The
procedures stated in above paragraph (3)(A) shall
apply except that the ex parte motion shall be
transmitted to the assigned judge only after the
assignment of a judge by the Legal Documents
Branch/Section.
(4) Application for oral hearing. A non-hearing motion for which an oral hearing is desired
shall first be filed with the Legal Documents
Branch/Section. An application for an oral hearing,
supported by a statement of reasons, shall thereafter
be presented to the judge assigned the case, along
with a copy of the non-hearing motion attached to the
application as an exhibit. Upon presentation, the
application shall be date stamped, indicating date of
receipt. The application shall be accompanied by a
proposed order granting the application and
including an appropriate space for the date and time
of the hearing. The assigned judge may grant or
deny the application, and such grant or denial shall
not be subject to review or reconsideration. If
granted, the date and time for the hearing shall be
indicated on the order. The application and order
shall be transmitted to the Legal Documents
Branch/Section for filing.
(5) Motion to shorten time for, advance,
or reschedule hearing.
(A) A motion to shorten time for hearing or
motion to advance hearing shall be presented to the
judge assigned the case. Upon presentation, the
motion shall be date stamped, indicating date of
receipt. The motion shall cite the authority and state
the reason(s) and factual or other basis for the
request. The motion shall be accompanied by a
proposed order granting the motion and including an
appropriate space for the date and time of the
hearing. The assigned judge may grant or deny the
motion, and such grant or denial shall not be subject
to review or reconsideration. If granted, the date and
time for the hearing shall be indicated on the order. The motion and order shall be transmitted to the
Legal Documents Branch/Section for filing.
(B) Requests to reschedule hearings shall be
made by motion or stipulation. The stipulation shall
state the reason for rescheduling the hearing and shall
be presented for approval to the judge assigned the
case at least 48 hours before the scheduled hearing. Upon the judge’s approval or denial of the
stipulation, it shall be presented to the Legal
(6) Copies for Judge. A party filing a motion,
response to a motion, or other document pertaining to
a motion, shall deliver 2 file-stamped copies of the
motion, response, or document to the chambers of the
assigned judge in an expeditious manner.
2012; further amended March 20, 2014, effective
Rule 8. SETTING OF MOTIONS.
Motions will be heard upon 18 days written
notice in accordance with Rule 7 herein, unless
otherwise ordered by the court or unless a different
notice is required by the Hawai‘i Rules of Civil
Procedure, upon having the same placed on the
judge's docket by the attorney, and upon filing the
moving papers not less than 18 days before the date
set for the hearing. The court on its own motion may order anymatter submitted on the briefs and/or affidavits,
without oral argument. (Amended June 22, 1983, effective July 1, 1983;
further amended September 11, 1996, effective
January 1, 1997; further amended May 15, 1997,
effective June 2, 1997.)
Rule 9. TITLES TO ORDERS.
Every order shall indicate the nature thereof in its
title. Rule 10. ORDERS GRANT ABLE BY THE
The clerk may grant, sign, and enter the
following orders without further direction by the
court, but any orders so entered may be set aside or
modified by the court: (a) Orders on consent extending time. Orders
on consent extending once for 20 days the time
within which to plead or move to a pleading if the
time originally prescribed to plead or move has not
expired. (b) Orders granting extension. Orders granting
an extension of time once for 15 days the time within
which to object to or answer interrogatories to a party if the time to answer such interrogatories has
not expired. (c) Substitution of attorneys. Orders on
consent for the substitution of attorneys. (d) Judgments. Default judgments as provided
in Rule 55(b) (1) of the Hawai‘i Rules of Civil
(e) Other orders. Any other order referred to in
the Hawai‘i Rules of Civil Procedure which is
grantable of course by the clerk.
(Amended October 8, 2004, effective January 1,
Rule 11. PROOF OF PUBLICATION.
Whenever the publication in a newspaper of any
summons, process, notice or order is required,
evidence of such publication shall be given by the
affidavit of the editor, publisher, manager, foreman,
clerk or printer of such newspaper, not interested in
the suit, action, matter or proceeding to which such
publication relates, to which affidavit shall be
attached a copy of such summons, process, notice or
order, and which affidavit shall also specify the dates
and times when and the newspaper in which the
publication was made. The publisher shall file said
affidavit with the clerk before the time fixed for
hearing. Rule 12. READY CIVIL CALENDAR.
(a) Preparation of calendar by clerk. At least
once in each calendar month, the clerk shall prepare
a list of all civil cases wherein a pretrial statement has been filed. Such list shall be known as the
"Ready Calendar" and shall be available for public
examination. (b) Pretrial statement. No case shall be placed
on the "Ready Calendar" unless a "Pretrial
Statement" has been filed and served in accord with
Rule 5 of the Hawai‘i Rules of Civil Procedure. The
pretrial statement shall be filed within 8 months after
a complaint has been filed or within any further
period of extension granted by the court. It shall
contain the following information: (1) A statement of facts; (2) Admitted facts; (3) All claims for relief and all defenses
advanced by the party submitting the pretrial
statement and the type of evidence expected to be
offered in support of each claim and defense; (4) The names, addresses, categories (i.e., lay,
eye, investigative), and type (i.e., liability, damages)
of all non-expert witnesses reasonably expected to be
called by the party submitting the statement and a
general statement concerning the nature of the
testimony expected; (5) The name, address and field of expertise of
each expert witness expected to testify and a general
statement concerning the nature of the testimony
expected; (6) A statement that each party, or the party's lead counsel, conferred in person with the opposing
party, or with lead counsel for each opposing party,
in a good faith effort to limit all disputed issues,
including outstanding discovery, and considered the
feasibility of settlement and alternative dispute
resolution options. A face-to-face conference is
required under these rules and shall not be satisfied
by a telephone conference or written correspondence.
The face-to-face conference shall take place in the
judicial circuit where the action is pending unless
otherwise agreed by counsel and/or the parties; and (7) A statement identifying any party who objects to alternative dispute resolution and the
reasons for objecting. If the parties have agreed to an
alternative dispute resolution process, a statement
identifying the process. (c) Selection of trial date and consideration of
alternative dispute resolution. (1) Except in cases which have been designated
as complex litigation, within 60 days of the filing of
the initial pretrial statement, the plaintiff in all cases
filed in the First Circuit shall schedule a trial setting
status conference that shall be attended by each party
or each party's lead counsel and shall be conducted
by the Civil Administrative Judge, or the Civil
Administrative Judge's designee. The Civil
Administrative Judge, or designee, shall: (A) Establish the trial date; and (B) Discuss alternative dispute resolution
options. The court may consider other matters which may
be conducive to the just, efficient and economical
determination of the case. (2) In the Second, Third and Fifth Circuits,
unless the court to which the case is assigned orders
that the procedure set forth above in paragraph (c)(1)
of this rule shall apply, the plaintiff shall, within 60
days of the filing of the initial pretrial statement, file
a document with the court indicating the following: (A) That counsel has agreed upon 3 separate
weeks in which the trial can occur, which dates will
fall within 150-240 days from the filing date of the
initial pretrial statement and that if the trial can be for any one of these 3 weeks, all counsel will be
ready to proceed; provided, if the court's calendar
cannot accommodate any of the dates, then counsel
will meet for a trial setting status conference or agree
to a date by conference call; or (B) That counsel cannot agree and the parties
wish a trial setting status conference. Any party may request a trial setting status
conference to establish a trial date and discuss
alternative dispute resolution options. (d) Extension of time to file pretrial statement. By motion, and upon a showing of good
cause, the 8-month period in which plaintiff has to
file a pretrial statement may be extended by the court. (e) Designation and order of actions. The cases on the Ready Calendar shall be designated by
their respective numbers and by the surname of the
first-named party of each side and shall be listed in
the order of the filing of the initial pretrial statement. (f) Motion to strike from calendar. Within 10
days after a pretrial statement has been served, any
party may move to strike the statement or the action
from the calendar. The motion to strike shall be
supported by an affidavit that clearly sets forth why
the statement is incorrect or deficient, or why the
case should otherwise be stricken from the calendar.
The fact that the statement has been filed prior to
substantial completion of discovery by other parties
to the action shall not be grounds to strike the
statement or the action from the calendar. (g) Restoration to calendar. A case stricken
from the ready calendar shall be restored thereto
upon the filing of another pretrial statement and its
place shall be determined by the filing date of the
later statement, unless the court upon motion
determines a different priority, e.g., restores the
action to the date of the first pretrial statement. Any
such motion for a different priority shall be filed at
the same time as the new pretrial statement and must
be accompanied by an affidavit stating why the case
was previously stricken from the calendar and
demonstrating good cause why the different priority
should be fixed. (h) Responsive pretrial statement. Every
defendant shall file a "Responsive Pretrial
Statement", served as required by Rule 5 of the
Hawai‘i Rules of Civil Procedure, that sets forth the
same kind of information required in the pretrial
statement within 60 days of the filing of the first
pretrial statement. (i) Extension of time to file responsive
pretrial statement. Parties may stipulate once as a
matter of course at any time before the responsive
pretrial statement is due to extend the time in which
to file the responsive pretrial statement. Parties shall
not extend the time in which to file the responsive
pretrial statement for more than 30 days. Otherwise,
a motion seeking court approval to file a responsive
pretrial statement more than 60 days after the filing
of a pretrial statement shall be filed within 30 days of
filing of a pretrial statement and shall specifically
state why a responsive pretrial statement cannot be
timely filed. If incomplete discovery is the reason
why a responsive pretrial statement cannot be
submitted, the motion shall include a schedule for
completing discovery and the date when the
responsive pretrial statement shall be filed. (j) Amending pretrial statements. Pretrial
statements must be continually amended in the same
manner in which answers to interrogatories must be
amended. (k) Designation as complex litigation. Any
party may move to have a case designated by the
court as Complex Litigation within 8 months after a
complaint has been filed or at any time upon good
cause shown. The judge hearing the Motion for
Designation as Complex Litigation will have
complete and unreviewable discretion in making the
determination. Upon such a designation by the court,
in cases where a jury will decide all issues the case
will be assigned to a trial judge for handling until
conclusion. In non-jury cases, the case will be
assigned to a trial judge for handling until trial, but
may be reassigned to a separate judge for the actual
trial. This rule shall apply to cases filed in the First
Circuit and other circuits as ordered by the Civil
Administrative Judge of that circuit. (1) Criteria. In determining whether a case
should be designated as Complex Litigation, the
court shall consider the following criteria: (i) The estimated amount in controversy is in
excess of $750,000, excluding interest, attorney's
fees and costs; (ii) The estimated length of trial is six weeks or
more; (iii) The number of parties, including all
plaintiffs and defendants is ten or more; (iv) One or more of the parties is a person who is
not a citizen or resident of the United States; (v) The anticipated number of expert witnesses is eight or more; (vi) The case involves complex and multiple
issues; (vii) The subject matter of the case involves
either asbestos, natural catastrophes, national trends,
construction or class actions; (viii) Discovery is anticipated to be complex; or (ix) Any other matters which may be conducive
to the just, efficient, and economical determination of the case. (2) Motion for designation. The motion for
designation as Complex Litigation shall identify
which of the criteria set forth in section (1) applies to
the case, and shall set forth wherever applicable, the
following information; (i) A short statement of the nature of the case; (ii) A list of parties served, in the process of
being served or anticipated to be joined in the action; (iii) Whether jury trial has been demanded or will be demanded; (iv) A list of anticipated discovery, discovery in
progress and completed discovery; (v) A list of anticipated motions, motions
pending and hearing dates; and (vi) Any other matters which may be conducive
to the just, efficient, and economical determination of the action or proceeding, including the definition
or limitation of issues. (3) Case management conferences. The
judge assigned to the complex case shall conduct
case management conference(s) to determine all
deadlines under these rules at which the court may: (i) Establish deadlines for the following: (A) A meeting with the Judiciary Center for
Alternative Dispute Resolution; and (B) Other matters as deemed applicable by the
court. (ii) Discuss the following: (A) Appointment of special masters pursuant to
Rules 26 and 53 of the Hawai‘i Rules of Civil
Procedure; (B) Discovery schedule, including setting of any
urther case management conferences; and (C) Other matters which may be conducive to the
just, efficient, and economic determination of the
case. (4) Complex case management order(s). The court may issue complex case management
order(s) which may include, but shall not be limited
to, the items set forth in section (3). The order(s)
shall be binding as to all parties. The provisions of
any order shall not excuse compliance with otherwise
applicable rules or deadlines unless specifically
ordered by the court. (l) Final naming of witnesses. Sixty (60) days
prior to the discovery cut off date plaintiff must name
all theretofore unnamed witnesses. Thirty (30) days
prior to the discovery cut off date defendant must
name all theretofore unnamed witnesses. (m) Further discovery. After the deadline for
Final Naming of Witnesses, a Motion for Further
Discovery can be filed upon a showing of good cause
and substantial need. (n) Exclusion of witnesses. Any party may
move the court for an order excluding a witness
named by an opposing party if said witness was or
should have been known at an earlier date and
allowing the witness to testify will cause substantial
prejudice to the movant. The movant under this
motion must make a statement concerning the
prejudice that will be suffered should this new
witness be allowed to testify, and why the opposing
party either knew or should have known of the
witness at an earlier date. The opposing attorney must submit an affidavit stating that the witness was
not known at an earlier date, nor with due diligence
should have been known. (o) Additional witness. At any time after the
time for Final Naming of Witnesses, upon a showing
of good cause and substantial need a party may move
for the addition of a witness. (p) Deviation in time for filing. Deviations
from the time requirements for the filing of any
document under this rule shall be allowed only upon
good cause shown. (q) Dismissal for want of prosecution. An
action may be dismissed sua sponte with written
notice to the parties if a pretrial statement has not
been filed within 8 months after a complaint has been
filed (or within any further period of extension
granted by the court) or if a trial setting status
conference has not been scheduled as required by
Rule 12(c). Such dismissal may be set aside and the
action reinstated by order of the court for good cause
shown upon motion duly filed not later than ten (10)
days from the date of the order of dismissal.
(r) Discovery cut off. Discovery shall be cut off
60 days before the assigned trial date. (s) Additional party practice. Ten (10) days
after the appearance of any additional party who has
been joined following the service of the initial
pretrial statement or one year after the filing of the
complaint, whichever is later, the party joining the
additional party and all other parties asserting
affirmative claims against the additional party shall
each file and serve (in accord with Rule 5 of the
Hawai‘i Rules of Civil Procedure) a pretrial statement against the additional party. The pretrial
statement shall set forth the same kind of information
as required by Rule 12(b) of these rules. The
additional party shall file and serve (in accord with
Rule 5 of the Hawai‘i Rules of Civil Procedure) a
responsive pretrial statement that sets forth the same
kind of information required by Rule 12(b) of these
rules within 60 days of the service of the pretrial
statement against the additional party. The additional
party shall move the court for any deviation from the
time requirements under these rules within 30 days of
the filing of the pretrial statement against said
additional party. (t) Sanctions. Failure of a party or his attorney
to comply with any section of this rule is deemed an
undue interference with orderly procedures and
unless good cause is shown, the court may, in its
discretion, impose sanctions in accord with Rule
12.1(a)(6) of these rules. (Amended June 22, 1983, effective July 1, 1983,
September 1, 1990; further amended September 11,
1996, effective January 1, 1997; further amended
September 20, 1996, effective January 1, 1997;
further amended May 15, 1997, effective June 2, 997; further amended May 16, 2007, effective July 1,
Rule 12.1. CIVIL SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE; SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE STATEMENT; CONFIDENTIAL SETTLEMENT
CONFERENCE LETTER.
(a) Settlement conference. A settlement
conference may be ordered by the court at any time
before trial. Any party may also file a request for
settlement conference at any time prior to trial. A
settlement conference in civil cases shall be subject
to the following guidelines: (1) If a party settles or otherwise disposes of any
action prior to a scheduled settlement conference, the
party shall immediately notify the judge who
scheduled the conference; (2) Each party to the action shall attend the
conference or be represented by an attorney or other
representative who has authority to settle the case; (3) For each party represented by counsel an
attorney who is assigned to try the case shall attend
the settlement conference. It is expected that the
attorney will have become familiar with all aspects of the case prior to the conference; (4) Each party to the action shall have thoroughly
evaluated the case and shall have discussed and
attempted to negotiate a settlement through an
exchange of written bona fide and reasonable offers
of settlement prior to the conference; (5) The judge conducting the settlement
conference may, at the conclusion of said conference,
continue said conference to another time and date,
and from time to time thereafter for continued
settlement negotiations if he has reason to believe a
settlement can thereby be effectuated; (6) Sanctions. The failure of a party or his
attorney to appear at a scheduled settlement
conference, the neglect of a party or his attorney to
discuss or attempt to negotiate a settlement prior to
the conference, or the failure of a party to have a
person authorized to settle the case present at the
conference shall, unless a good cause for such failure
or neglect is shown, be deemed an undue interference
with orderly procedures. As sanctions, the court may,
in its discretion: (i) Dismiss the action on its own motion, or on
the motion of any party or hold a party in default, as
the case may be; (ii) Order a party to pay the opposing party's
reasonable expenses and attorneys' fees; (iii) Order a change in the calendar status of the
action; (iv) Impose any other sanction as may be
appropriate. (b) Settlement conference statement. In all
civil cases, including those which have been
designated as Complex Litigation, a settlement
conference statement shall be filed not less than 5
working days prior to the date of the settlement
conference. The settlement conference statement
shall be filed with the clerk of court and a
file-marked copy shall be delivered to the office of
the judge conducting the settlement conference, and
copies served upon all other parties. The statement
shall set forth, wherever applicable, the following
information: (1) For the plaintiff: (i) The name, age, marital status and occupation
of all noncorporate plaintiffs; (ii) The relief claimed by each plaintiff; (iii) A factual summary of the case; (iv) Plaintiff's theories of liability against each
defendant; (v) The name, address, field of expertise and
summary of substance of testimony of each expert
witness who supports plaintiff's theories of liability; (vi) The name, address and summary of
substance of testimony of all other witnesses who
support plaintiff's theories of liability; (vii) A statement of plaintiff's position on general
damages, including a statement of all injuries and
damages claimed by plaintiff, together with the
names of plaintiff's expert witnesses, including
doctors, and copies of their reports; (viii) Plaintiff's claim of special damages
including an itemized statement of all special
damages claimed by plaintiff; (ix) The name, address, field of expertise and
witness who supports the plaintiff's claim of special
damages; (x) The name, address and summary of substance
of testimony of all other witnesses who support
plaintiff's position on damages; and (xi) A statement of the status of settlement
negotiations. (2) For the defendants: (i) The age, marital status, occupation and
corporate or other legal status of each defendant; (ii) The name of applicable insurance carriers and the stated policy limits; (iii) A factual summary of the case; (iv) The defense to each of plaintiff's theories of
liability; (v) The name, address, field of expertise and
witness who supports the defenses to plaintiff's
theories of liability; (vi) The name, address and summary of
support the defenses to plaintiff's theories of liability; (vii) A statement of the defense position on
general damages, including a statement of all injuries
and damages disputed by defendant, together with the names of defendant's expert witnesses including
doctors, and copies of their reports; (viii) The defendant's position on special
damages including a statement of which special
damages are disputed; (ix) The name, address, field of expertise and
witness who supports the defense position on special
of testimony of other witnesses who support the
defense position on damages; and (xi) A statement of the status of settlement
negotiations. (c) Confidential settlement conference letter.
At least five (5) working days before the settlement
conference, each party shall deliver directly to the
settlement conference judge a confidential settlement
conference letter, which shall not be filed or served
upon the other parties. The confidential settlement
conference letter shall not be made a part of the
record and confidential information contained in the
letter shall not be disclosed to the other parties
without express authority from the party submitting
the letter. The court will destroy the confidential
settlement conference letter no later than entry of
final judgment in the case. The confidential settlement conference letter
shall include a forthright evaluation of the parties'
likelihood of prevailing on the claims and defenses,
a description of the major issues in dispute, including
damages, counsel's good faith evaluation of the case,
and other information requested by the court. (Added June 22, 1983, effective July 1, 1983;
1984; further amended June 28, 1984, effective July
1, 1984; further amended October 21, 1999, effective
January 1, 2000.)
Rule 12.2. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE
(a) Authority to order. The court, sua sponte
or upon motion by a party, may, in exercise of its
discretion, order the parties to participate in a non-binding Alternative Dispute Resolution process
(ADR or ADR process) subject to terms and
conditions imposed by the court. ADR includes
mediation, summary jury trial, neutral evaluation,
non-binding arbitration, presentation to a focus
group, or other such process the court determines
may be helpful in encouraging an economic and fair
resolution of all or any part of the disputes presented
in the matter. Subsections (a) through (e) do not
apply to ADR administered by the Hawai‘i Judiciary,
such as the Court Annexed Arbitration Program.
(b) Factors to consider; fees and expenses.
(1) Before ordering a case to ADR, the court
may consider factors, including, but not limited to,
the current status of the case, whether the parties
would be better served by a settlement conference
held by a court, whether the parties are willing to
participate in ADR, and whether the parties have
previously participated in ADR in the pending
matter. In addition, the court may consider whether
ordering a case into ADR would result in an unfair or
unreasonable economic burden to any party.
(2) All ADR fees and expenses of the neutral
shall be borne equally by the parties unless otherwise
agreed to by the parties, ordered by the court, or
provided by law. A party who cannot afford to pay
all or any portion of fees or expenses charged under
this rule may file a motion with the court to be
excused from payment or to pay an appropriately
reduced amount or rate.
(c) Selection of the neutral. If the ADR
process ordered by the court involves the selection of
a neutral, the parties shall first attempt to select a
neutral by mutual agreement. If the parties cannot
agree, then each party shall submit a list to the court
nominating up to 3 prospective neutrals by a date
determined by the court. The court shall provide the
parties with a combined list of all nominees and
allow each party to rank all prospective neutrals. The person receiving the highest rank on the
combined list shall be selected as the neutral. In the
event of a tie, the judge shall decide which person
shall serve as the neutral. If at any time the neutral
becomes unable or unwilling to serve, and the parties
are unable to agree on the selection of another
neutral, the judge will select the next highest ranking
nominee available to serve.
(d) Disclosure. Unless waived by all parties, the
parties, counsel, and neutral shall make a reasonable
inquiry concerning and disclose to each other the
identity of the parties, potential witnesses who may
be called at trial, and other participants who may be
included in the ADR process. In addition, the neutral
shall make a reasonable inquiry and disclose as soon
as practical before accepting mediation any other
facts and information, including a financial or
personal interest in the outcome of the mediation and
any existing or past relationships, that a reasonable
person would consider likely to affect the
impartiality of the neutral, including the neutral’s
relationships with counsel, a mediation party,
foreseeable mediation party, or non-party participant
in the mediation. The parties, counsel, and neutral
shall have a continuing obligation to disclose as soon
as practicable any information they subsequently
learn during the ADR process that a reasonable
person would consider likely to affect impartiality of
(e) Physical presence of counsel and
parties required.
(1) Lead trial counsel and clients,
representatives, and third persons with full
settlement authority shall attend, in person, all
ADR conferences scheduled by the neutral, unless excused
by the neutral.
(2) A governmental entity satisfies the
attendance requirement if its lead counsel is in
attendance and has been delegated full settlement
authority, or has reasonable access to the person who
has full settlement authority (recognizing that any
such authority may be subject to the appropriation
process). In the event that the neutral determines it
appropriate, the neutral shall have reasonable access
to the person who has full settlement authority with
appropriate accommodation given to the person’s
competing public duties.
(f) Communication by parties, counsel,
neutral, and the court. Unless the parties otherwise
agree in writing or it is otherwise authorized and
approved by the adjudicating court pursuant to the
Uniform Mediation Act or other law, the neutral,
counsel, the parties, and other participants in any
mediation, shall not communicate with the civil court
adjudicating the merits of the mediated matter
(including the settlement or trial judge) about the
substance of any position, offer, or other matter
related to mediation, nor shall a court request or
order disclosure of such information unless such
disclosure is required to enforce a settlement
agreement, adjudicate a dispute over mediator fees,
or provide evidence in any attorney disciplinary
proceeding, and then only to the extent required to
accomplish such purpose. However, the neutral may
disclose to a court whether the ADR process is
concluded or terminated; who attended; and, if
applicable, whether a settlement or resolution was
reached with regard to some or all issues presented. (Added September 11, 1996, effective January 1,
1997; further amended June 22, 2012, effective July
1, 2012; further amended August 26, 2014, effective
January 1, 2015.)
Rule 13. TRIAL CALENDARS AND THE
FIRST CIRCUIT ON-CALL
STATUS; CIVIL CASES.
(a) Trial calendars. The court shall prepare and
maintain a trial calendar for jury trials and a separate
trial calendar for jury-waived trials of all civil cases
which may require hearing or trial. All such cases placed on the trial calendars shall
be called and assigned to any available judge for
hearing or trial during the week the same shall be set
unless continued for good cause. When any action on the ready calendar is called
during a calendar call or when any action is called for a pretrial or settlement conference after timely
notice to all attorneys or parties not represented by
counsel, the court, may, on its own motion or on the
motion of any party, dismiss such action or hold the
defendant in default, as the case may be, if any of the
parties fails to appear. Any case at issue, whether on the ready calendar
or not, may be advanced and set for a pretrial or
settlement conference or be immediately placed on
the trial calendar for hearing or trial. All civil cases appealed to the circuit court, when
docketed, shall be placed on the appropriate trial
calendars of civil cases. (b) The first circuit on-call status. (1) All first circuit trials in which doctors or other experts will be offered as witnesses will have a fixed trial date and counsel will be on "24-hour
notice" to commence trial the entire week. However,
by Friday of the assigned week, if the trial cannot
commence, then the trial judge will return the file to
the administrative judge and the parties will: (i) either agree to a new trial week which will fall within 90 days from the date of the original trial
week, subject to the administrative judge's approval,
or (ii) if the parties cannot agree or the
administrative judge cannot accommodate the agreed
upon date, then the parties will meet with the
administrative judge for a trial setting which will, in
any event, be no later than 90 days from the date of
the originally scheduled week. (2) In cases not involving doctors or other expert
witnesses, trial counsel will be on a 24-hour notice
during the week trial is set, and if trial does not
commence during said week, they will then be on a
"48-hour notice" for the next 2 calendar weeks. (Amended June 22, 1983, effective July 1, 1983,
September 1, 1990.)
Rule 14. DISTRICT COURT CASES,
DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL,
WITHDRAWAL OF DEMAND.
(a) Notification; demand for jury trial of
additional issues. Upon the docketing in the circuit
court of a case transferred from the district court
because of a demand for jury trial, the clerk of the
circuit court shall notify the parties. Within ten days
after notice of the docketing, any party may, if the
demand transmitted by the clerk of the district court
was for trial by jury of only specific issues, serve a
demand for trial by jury of any other or all of the
issues which are triable of right by a jury. (b) Waiver or withdrawal of demand. A case
transferred from the district court to the circuit court
for trial by jury may be remanded by the circuit court
to the district court for further proceedings if the
demand for jury trial is waived or withdrawn in the
circuit court. (Amended May 15, 1972, effective July 1, 1972.)
Rule 15. EXPEDITION OF COURT
(a) Required notice. Attorneys shall advise the
court promptly if a case is settled. An attorney who
fails to give the court such prompt advice may be
subject to such discipline as the court deems
appropriate. (b) Effect of failure to appear. An attorney
who, without just cause, fails to appear when his case
is before the court on a call or motion or on pre trial
or trial, or unjustifiably fails to prepare for a
presentation to the court necessitating a continuance,
may be subject to such discipline as the court deems
appropriate. Rule 16. DEPOSITIONS.
(a) Preparation and sealing by officer taking
deposition. Unless an extension of time is granted by
the court, the officer taking the deposition shall
prepare and seal the deposition within 30 days after
the taking of the deposition. (b) Depositions taken outside this state. Unless
an extension of time is granted by the court,
depositions taken outside this state shall be filed with
the court within 30 days after the taking of the
deposition; provided, however, that if a deposition is
taken less than 30 days prior to trial, the party taking
the deposition shall make appropriate arrangements
with the officer taking the deposition for the filing
thereof prior to the commencement of trial. (c) Unsigned depositions. If the officer prepares and seals an unsigned deposition, the officer
shall certify on the deposition the fact of waiver,
illness, absence, or failure of the witness to appear, or the refusal to sign together with the reason, if any,
given therefor. (d) Sealing. Once the officer has sealed a
deposition it shall remain sealed unless opened
temporarily by the officer or opened by the direction
of a judge; provided that copies may be obtained
pursuant to Rule 30(f)(2) of the Hawai‘i Rules of
Civil Procedure. (Amended March 16, 1984, partly effective
March 16, 1984, fully effective May 1, 1984.)
Rule 17. CONDUCT OF A TRIAL.
(a) Sequence of presentation. Subject to the
orders of the court, which may alter the sequence of
presentation of the case when there are numerous
parties or for other reasons: (1) The plaintiff (or the prosecuting officer in a
criminal case) shall have the right to make an
opening statement. The defendant shall also have the
right to make an opening statement, either
immediately after the plaintiff's or the prosecuting
officer's statement or at the beginning of defendant's
case. (2) After the opening statement or statements the
plaintiff or prosecuting officer shall produce the
evidence on his part. (3) The defendant may then open his or her
defense and offer his or her evidence in support
thereof. (4) The parties may then respectively offer
rebutting evidence only. (5) When the presentation of evidence is
concluded, unless the case is submitted on either side
or both sides without argument, the plaintiff or
prosecuting officer shall open the argument; the
defendant may then reply; and the plaintiff or
prosecuting officer may conclude the argument, and
in the conclusion shall confine himself or herself to
answering any new matter or arguments presented by
the defendant. In the event the defendant has
presented an affirmative defense, the court may allow surrebuttal argument but shall confine counsel to answering or otherwise responding to the arguments presented by the plaintiff or prosecuting
officer on the issue of the affirmative defense. (b) Address to jury is not instruction upon the
law. In his or her address to the jury each party shall
be allowed to fully and fairly state his or her theory
of the case and the reasons which entitle him to a
verdict. He or she shall not assume to instruct the jury upon the law, in such manner as to encroach
upon the function of the court to so instruct the jury. (c) Instruction to the jury. The court shall
instruct the jury in accordance with the provisions of
the Hawai‘i Rules of Civil Procedure and the Hawai‘i
Rules of Penal Procedure. (d) Presence of counsel at verdict. Unless
excused by the court, counsel for all parties shall be
present upon receiving the verdict of a jury. (e) Limitations on number of counsel. Except
by leave of court: (1) Only one counsel for each party shall
examine and cross-examine the same witness or be
heard on any question. (2) No more than two counsel shall appear for
any party on the trial. (f) Sequence for challenging of jurors. In the
challenging of jurors, the following order and
sequence shall be observed: the plaintiff, in civil
actions, and the State in criminal cases, shall first
challenge for cause, after which the defendant shall
challenge for cause. After the challenges for cause, if any, have been determined, the State or plaintiff (as the case may be), and the defendant, shall
alternately state their peremptory challenges, if any,
the State or plaintiff beginning, and the defendant
ending. In case there are more than two parties in any
case, the order of precedence of their challenges, if
not agreed upon by them, shall be determined by the
court. (Amended May 15, 1972, effective July 1, 1972;
further amended July 12, 1993, effective August 26,
1993; further amended March 24, 2000, effective
July 1, 2000; further amended May 5, 2000, effective
July 1, 2000.)
Rule 18. PRE-TRIAL DISCLOSURE AND
MARKING OF EXHIBITS.
(a) Disclosures and exhibits. When a pretrial is
held, except as and to the extent otherwise ordered by the court: (1) Each party shall disclose the theory of his
case, including the basic facts that he intends to
prove and the names and addresses of all witnesses
that he intends to call. (2) Each party shall disclose to all others and
permit examination of all exhibits which are in his
possession or under his control and which he intends
to offer in evidence at the trial. (3) Unless so disclosed, no exhibits required to
be disclosed by paragraph (2) shall be received in
evidence at the trial over objection unless the court
finds that there was reasonable ground for failing to
disclose such exhibits prior to trial. Objections to
receipt of exhibits for violation of this rule shall be
made without the presence of the jury. (4) All exhibits required to be disclosed by
paragraph (2), and any other exhibits as may be
requested by counsel presenting the same, shall be
marked for identification at least one day prior to the
trial and shall be listed in any pre-trial order. (b) Effect of pre-trial order. The pre-trial order
shall supersede the pleadings where there is any
conflict; and shall supplement the pleadings in all
other respects. Rule 19. STIPULATIONS AND ORDERS
(a) Forms of stipulations and orders. Unless
made in open court, a stipulation shall be in writing,
signed by the parties or their attorneys, and filed with
the clerk. A stipulation requiring court approval shall
cite the authority and state the reason(s) and factual
or other basis for the stipulation therein. An order
based upon a stipulation shall be sufficient if the
words "It is so ordered" or their equivalent are
endorsed on the stipulation at the close thereof and if
this endorsement is signed by the judge, or by the
clerk if permitted under Rule 10. (b) Stipulations extending or enlarging time.
A stipulation for court approval to act under Rule
6(b)(1), Hawai‘i Rules of Civil Procedure and Rule
45(b)(1), Hawai‘i Rules of Penal Procedure shall
(1) the title of the document and shall indicate
the sequential number of such extension or
(2) citation to authority for the extension or
(3) reason(s) for the extension or enlagement;
(4) the expiration date of the originally
prescribed period or as extended or enlarged by a
(Amended August 26, 2011, effective January 1,
Rule 20. INSTRUCTIONS TO JURIES.
(a) Requests for instruction. Each instruction
requested shall designate at the top thereof by whom
it is being requested and the number of the request,
e.g., PLAINTIFFS INSTRUCTION NO. 3. Each
requested instruction shall be written on a separate
page or group of pages. The original and one copy of
each requested instruction shall be filed with the court and a copy served upon opposing counsel. (b) Copy of charge for jurors. The court may
permit a copy of its charge without citations or any
identification with any party to be taken into the jury
room. Rule 21. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSED
The party who prevails after the presentation of
evidence in a jury-waived case shall submit to the
court proposed findings of fact and conclusions of
law pursuant to Rule 52, Hawai‘i Rules of Civil
Procedure. The party required to prepare such
proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law shall have 10 days, unless such time is extended by
the court, to draft the same and secure the approval as to form of opposing counsel thereon and deliver
the original and one copy to the court, or, if not so
approved, serve a copy thereof upon each party who
has appeared in the action and deliver the original and one copy to the court. If the form of the proposed
findings of fact and conclusions of law has not been
approved, a party served with the proposed findings
and conclusions may, within 5 days after service of
the proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law,
serve and deliver to the court objections and a copy
of his proposed findings and conclusions. The court
shall determine the findings of fact and conclusions
of law to be entered. If after the conclusion of all testimony in a
jury-waived case, and after the submission thereof,
the court does not indicate which party has prevailed
in the action, the respective parties involved may be
requested to submit proposed findings of fact and
conclusions of law. (Amended March 6, 2009, effective July 1, 2009.)
Rule 22. REQUEST FOR DRAFT OF
DECISION ON ISSUE OF LAW.
Whenever the court proposes to file a written
decision on any motion or issue of law, it may at any
time request one or more of the parties to submit a
draft of decision. In such event, the court shall advise
all parties of its action, and the draft so submitted
shall be served, and an opportunity shall be given to
opposing counsel to present comments with respect
thereto. The failure of any party to submit comments
with respect to any such draft shall not affect the
right of such party to appeal from any judgment
incorporated in or based on the decision as issued. Rule 23. SETTLEMENT OF JUDGMENTS,
DECREES, AND ORDERS.
(a) Preparation. Within 10 days after a decision
of the court awarding any judgment, decree, or order,
including any interlocutory order, the prevailing
party, unless otherwise ordered by the court, shall
prepare a judgment, decree, or order in accordance
with the decision, attempt to secure approval as to
form from all other parties, and following such
approval deliver the original and 1 copy to the court.
(b) Party Approval or Objection to Form;
Delivery to Court. If there is no objection to the
form of a proposed judgment, decree, or order, the other parties shall promptly approve as to form. If a proposed judgment, decree, or order is not approved
as to form by the other parties within 5 days after a
written request for approval, the drafting party shall
deliver the original and 1 copy to the court along with
notice of service on all parties and serve a copy
thereof upon each party who has appeared in the
action. If any party objects to the form of a proposed
judgment, decree, or order, that party shall, within 5
days after service of the proposed judgment, decree,
or order, serve upon each party who has appeared in
the action and deliver to the court: (1) A statement of objections and the reasons
(2) The form of the objecting party's proposed
judgment, decree, or order.
In such event, the court shall proceed to settle the
judgment, decree, or order. Failure to file and serve
objections and a proposed judgment, decree, or order
shall constitute approval as to form of the drafting
party's proposed judgment, decree, or order.
(c) No Waiver of Right to Appeal. Approval
as to form shall not affect the right, or constitute waiver of the right, of any party to appeal from any
judgment, decree, or order issued.
(d) Court Approval; Sanctions. If a proposed
judgment, decree, or order is consistent with the
verdict of the jury or the decision of the court, the
court shall cause the judgment, decree, or order to be
entered forthwith. If a proposed judgment, decree, or
order is not consistent with the verdict of the jury or
the decision of the court, the court may require
submission of a conforming judgment, decree, or
order. The court may impose a monetary sanction
against a party who submits a defective or untimely
(e) Request for Entry. If the drafting party
fails to timely submit a proposed judgment, decree,
or order to the court, any other party may present a
proposed judgment, decree, or order to the court for
approval and entry.
(Amended October 27, 1993, effective November
27, 1993; further amended December 20, 1993,
effective December 20, 1993; further amended
further amended March 6, 2009, effective July 1,
2009; further amended January 28, 2010, effective
July 1, 2010.)
Rule 24. IMMEDIATE NOTICE OF COURT
The court shall immediately notify counsel of the
filing of findings of fact and conclusions of law, or
of any opinion or memorandum of decision stating
the facts and the court's opinion of the law, or of any
other decision or opinion of the court. Rule 25. ORDER FOR TRANSCRIPT OF
Upon the request of any person for a transcript of
the evidence or other court proceeding, the official
reporter shall furnish such transcript in the regular
order of cases tried or in such order as the court
administrator directs. The official reporter shall not
furnish a transcript of a confidential proceeding
without the court’s written approval, unless
otherwise authorized by law. The provisions of the
Hawai‘i Rules of Appellate Procedure relating to
transcripts shall govern requests for transcripts for
purposes of appeal. Each request shall be in writing,
filed, and a copy shall be served upon opposing
counsel and the reporter, and shall be accompanied
by a prepayment to the reporter or deposit with the
clerk of the court, as provided by Hawai‘i Revised
Statutes Section 606-13 of the approximate cost of
the transcript fees as computed by the reporter in
advance in writing at the rate established by the
Rules Governing Court Reporting in the State of
Hawai‘i. If a request is accompanied by a deposit
with the clerk, the deposit shall be further
accompanied by directions to the clerk of the court to
use it to pay for the reporter’s fees when the
transcript is complete. A reporter need not
commence preparation of the transcript until the
required prepayment is or deposit has been made.
(Amended effective July 1, 1999; further amended
amended November 24, 2004, effective January 1,
Rule 25.1. RECORDING OF TESTIMONY
(a) Preservation of testimony. Whenever a
court reporter is not in attendance, the court shall
order that the testimony and other matters required to
be preserved by a reporter shall be preserved on tape
or by such other device as may be appropriate. It is
the responsibility of the court to see to it that the
record so made is sufficiently clear to permit full
transcription and truly discloses what occurred in the
court, and that a log is kept with such particularity,
and with such references to the record made on tape
or by other device, as will enable the record to be
reviewed and transcribed as occasion arises. (b) Effect of certain terms; obtaining
transcript. Whenever in Rule 25 or other rules of
court, or in the provisions of Hawai‘i Revised
Statutes Section 606-13 relating to transcripts,
reference is made to the report of the evidence or
proceedings at a hearing or trial, or to the court
reporter or official reporter, these terms and words of
like import shall, if no court reporter was in
attendance and the record has been preserved on tape
or by other device, be deemed to refer to the record
so preserved except as otherwise provided. Upon the
request of any person for preparation of a transcript
of a record so preserved, the supervising court
reporter or, if there is no supervising court reporter,
the court administrator shall cause the transcript to be
furnished in the regular order of cases so recorded or
in such order as the court administrator directs. A
transcriber shall not furnish a transcript of a
confidential proceeding without the court’s written
approval, unless otherwise authorized by law.
Transcript fees shall be prepaid or deposited as in
other cases, and the transcriber shall not be required
to commence transcribing the record until the
required prepayment or deposit is made. (c) Preparation of transcript. A transcript in a
case recorded as provided by this rule shall be
prepared by a competent person approved by the
court. Unless the court otherwise directs (1) the
transcript shall be certified by the transcriber who,
for this purpose, shall have the powers of a clerk of
the court, and (2) the transcript fees shall be paid to
the transcriber upon completion of the work. (Added November 29, 1974, effective November
29, 1974; further amended October 8, 2004, effective
January 1, 2005.)
Rule 26. ATTORNEY'S LIABILITY FOR
COSTS; DISQUALIFICATION OF
(a) Liability for court costs. Attorneys shall be
liable to the court for court costs incurred by their
clients. (b) Who may not be surety. No attorney or
other officer or employee of the court shall become
surety on any bond or undertaking in any action or
proceeding in this court, unless authorized by the
court. Rule 27. PREPARATION OF CLERK'S
MINUTES AND DEPOSIT OF
The court shall cause minutes to be prepared for
its own use. Such minutes shall be appended
chronologically at the bottom of the case folio. Immediately upon the conclusion of a
proceeding, all exhibits received, together with the
original of the exhibit list, shall be deposited with the
clerk, who shall acknowledge receipt of same on a
copy of the exhibit list, which shall be filed in the
folio. Rule 28. DISMISSAL FOR WANT OF
A diligent effort to effect service shall be made
in all actions. An action or claim may be dismissed
sua sponte with written notice to the parties if no
service is made within 6 months after the action or
claim has been filed. Such dismissal may be set aside
and the action or claim reinstated by order of the
court for good cause shown upon motion duly filed
not later than ten (10) days from the date of the order
(Amended May 16, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.)
Rule 29. DISMISSAL FOR WANT OF
PROSECUTION IN DEFAULT
An action may be dismissed with prejudice sua
sponte with written notice to the parties for want of
prosecution where all defendants are in default and if
the plaintiff fails to obtain entry of default and fails
to apply for default judgment within six months after
all defendants are in default. Such dismissal may be
set aside and the action reinstated by order of the
Rule 30. INTERROGATORIES AND
(a) Objection by party. The party objecting to
an interrogatory shall serve an answer thereto within
10 days after receiving notice of the court's order
overruling the objection, unless otherwise ordered by
the court. Answers or objections to interrogatories
pursuant to Rule 33 of the Hawai‘i Rules of Civil
Procedure or Hawai‘i Family Court Rules shall
identify and quote each interrogatory in full
immediately preceding the statement of any answer
or objection thereto. Motions to compel answers to
specific interrogatories shall also identify and quote
each interrogatory in full. Responses and objections
to requests for admissions pursuant to Rule 36 of the
Hawai‘i Rules of Civil Procedure or Hawai‘i Family
Court Rules shall identify and quote each request for
admission in full immediately preceding the
statement of any answer or objection thereto.
(b) Form. Interrogatories and requests for
admission served pursuant to Rule 33 and Rule 36,
Court Rules, shall provide reasonably sufficient
space for the answer after each interrogatory or
request. Two sets of the interrogatories or requests
for admission shall be served upon the adverse party.
Those interrogatories shall not exceed 60 in number,
counting any subparts or subquestions as individual
questions, without prior leave of court or written
stipulation of the parties pursuant to Rule 29 of the
Hawai‘i Rules of Civil Procedure. (Amended March 6, 1980, effective March 6,
effective March 16, 1984, fully effective May 1, 1984;
further amended October 8, 2004, effective January
1, 2005.)
Rule 31. PROCEEDINGS NOT GOVERNED
BY HAWAI‘I RULES OF CIVIL
(a) Procedure. Except as provided by statute or
by other rules of court, where a civil proceeding is
not governed by the Hawai‘i Rules of Civil
Procedure: (1) The proceeding shall be commenced by
petition; (2) The petition shall be verified by the oath of
the petitioner, or someone on his behalf, deposing to
the best of his knowledge and belief; (3) Service of the petition and order to show
cause and any other process or order shall be made as
provided by the Hawai‘i Rules of Civil Procedure; (4) A return to the petition shall be made within
the time ordered by the court, and if it presents an
issue of fact shall be supported by oath; (5) The court may designate and order that any
one or more of the Hawai‘i Rules of Civil Procedure
shall be applicable in such case. Rule 32. INAPPLICABILITY OF RULES.
To the extent that there is any conflict between
these rules and the Hawai‘i Rules of Civil Procedure
or the Hawai‘i Rules of Penal Procedure the latter
Rule 33. PROCEDURES FOR PROCESSING
POST-CONVICTION PRISONER
(a) Submission to office of clerk; docketing;
SPP number. All written or typed post-conviction
prisoner pleadings, correspondence, applications or
requests mailed to, delivered to, or received by any
court, judge, the public defender, the prosecuting
attorney, or the chief clerk of the circuit court, shall
be transmitted to the documents section of the circuit
court for processing. All such prisoner documents
shall be received as public documents and no such
documents shall be considered or treated as
"confidential," "private," "personal," etc. Each
document received by the documents section shall be
docketed and filed under an SPP (Special Proceeding
- Prisoner) number and a separate file shall be
established for each document, provided, however,
that the court may direct that there be one SPP
number for each prisoner so that all subsequent
post-trial documents by the same prisoner shall be
filed in the same SPP number. (b) Disposition. All documents processed
pursuant to subsection (a) shall be governed by Rule
40 of the Hawai‘i Rules of Penal Procedure. (Amended April 18, 1994, effective April 28,
Rule 34. HAWAI‘I ARBITRATION RULES.
The Hawai‘i Arbitration Rules (Rules Governing
the Court Annexed Arbitration Program), attached to
these Rules of the Circuit Courts as Exhibit A, shall
govern the Court Annexed Arbitration Program in
the circuit courts of this state, and shall be effective
as provided in Hawai‘i Arbitration Rule 27. (Added January 22, 1986, effective February 15,
1986; amended September 28, 1987, effective
October 1, 1987.)
APPENDIX OF FORMS Suggested forms - First pages of pleadings.
at least 1" ➔
at least 3" ➔
JOHN DOE, 817 171 Waianuenue Avenue Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 Tel. No. 935 2321 Attorney for Plaintiff IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRD CIRCUIT STATE OF Hawai‘i A. B., Plaintiff, ) Civil No. ____ ) v. ) COMPLAINT; SUMMONS; ) MOTION FOR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING
C. D. and E. F., Defendants ) ORDER AND PRELIMINARY INJUNCTIONS; ) AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF MOTION
) FOR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER ) AND PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION: _________________________________) NOTICE OF MOTION COMPLAINT The Plaintiff, A. B., complains of the Defendant C. D. and E. F., as follows: (Suggested Form: First page of the first paper) at least 1" ➔
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRD CIRCUIT STATE OF Hawai‘i A. B., Plaintiff, ) Civil No. ____ ) v. ) MOTION FOR TEMPORARY ) RESTRAINING ORDER AND
C. D. and E. F., Defendants ) PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION ) _________________________________) MOTION FOR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER
AND PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION The Plaintiff, A. B., moves this Court (Suggested Form: First page of the first paper) FORM A
_________________________________________________ [Insert appropriate court] _____________________________
I, __________________________________________________, declare that I am the petitioner in the
above entitled case; that in support of my petition to proceed without being required to prepay fees, costs or
give security therefor, I state that because of my poverty, I am unable to pay the costs of said proceeding or
to give security therefor; that I believe I am entitled to relief. 1. Are you presently employed? Yes ______ No ______ a. If the answer is "yes," state the amount of your salary or wages per month, and give the name and
address of your employer. _______________________________________________________________________________
b. If the answer is "no," state the date of last employment and the amount of the salary and wages per
month which you received. _______________________________________________________________________________
2. Have you received within the past twelve months any money from any of the following sources? a. Business, profession or form of self-employment? Yes ______ No ______ b. Rent payments, interest or dividends? Yes ______ No ______ c. Pensions, annuities or life insurance payments? Yes ______ No ______ d. Gifts or inheritances?
Yes ______ No ______ e. Any other sources? Yes ______ No ______ If the answer to any of the above is "yes," describe each source of money and state the amount
received from each during the past twelve months. _______________
3. Do you own any cash, or do you have money in a checking or savings account? (Include any funds in
prison accounts.) Yes ______ No ______ If the answer is "yes," state the total value of the items owned. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Do you own real estate, stocks, bonds, notes, automobiles, or other valuable property (excluding ordinary
household furnishings and clothing)? Yes ______ No ______ If the answer is "yes," describe the property and state its approximate value. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. List the persons who are dependent upon you for support, state your relationship to those persons, and
indicate how much you contribute toward their support.
Executed on (date) .
Signature of Petitioner CERTIFICATE I hereby certify that the petitioner herein has the sum of $__________________ on account to his credit
at the ____________________ institution where he is confined. I further certify that petitioner likewise has
the following securities to his credit according to the records of said ______________________________
institution: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Authorized Officer of Institution Form C-1. Sample Format for Hearing Motion: MOTION
DAVID JONES 0000
1234 King Street
Tel: (808) 524-1234
Attorney for Plaintiff ABC, Inc.
STATE OF HAWAI‘I ABC, INC., Plaintiff,
XYZ, INC., Defendant.
Civil No. __________________
(Case category, see RCCH Rule 3(c)(5))
PLAINTIFF ABC, INC.’S MOTION FOR
SUMMARY JUDGMENT; MEMORANDUM IN
SUPPORT OF MOTION; AFFIDAVIT OF JOHN
SMITH; DECLARATION OF MARY SMITH;
EXHIBITS 1-5; NOTICE OF HEARING; AND
JUDGE: _______________________________
TRIAL DATE: ___________________________
HEARING DATE: _______________________
HEARING TIME: ________________________
PLAINTIFF ABC, INC.’S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
(Text of motion with citation to legal authority)
DATED: Honolulu, Hawai‘i, (date) .
(signature) DAVID JONES
Form C-2. Sample Format for Hearing Motion: MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF MOTION
(Text of Memorandum)
Form C-3. Sample Format for Hearing Motion: AFFIDAVIT
AFFIDAVIT OF JOHN SMITH
State of Hawai‘i )
JOHN SMITH, being first duly sworn on oath, deposes and says:
(Text of Affidavit)
this ____ day of __________, 20___.
(Notary Public Seal)
(signature) NOTARY PUBLIC, State of Hawai‘i
My commission expires: (date) Form C-4. Sample Format for Hearing Motion: DECLARATION
DECLARATION OF MARY SMITH
(Text of Declaration)
I, MARY SMITH, do declare under penalty of law that the foregoing is true and
(signature) MARY SMITH
Form C-5. Sample Format for Hearing Motion: NOTICE OF HEARING
NOTICE OF HEARING AND CERTIFICATE OF
TO: Jane Brown
Attorney for Defendant XYZ, Inc.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Motion for Summary Judgment shall come on for
hearing before the Honorable (name of judge) , Judge of the above-entitled court, in his/her
courtroom at (address) on (day & date) at (time) , or as soon thereafter as
counsel may be heard.
The undersigned hereby certifies that a copy of the foregoing motion was served on the above-identified parties at their respective addresses by (hand delivery or depositing the same in the United
States mail, postage prepaid) on (service date) .
Form D-1. Sample Format for Non-Hearing Motion: MOTION
PLAINTIFF ABC, INC.’S MOTION TO
COMPEL DISCOVERY; MEMORANDUM IN
EXHIBITS 1-5; NOTICE OF MOTION AND
TRIAL DATE: __________________________
PLAINTIFF ABC, INC.’S MOTION TO COMPEL DISCOVERY
(Text of motion with citation of legal authority)
Form D-2. Sample Format for Non-Hearing Motion: MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF MOTION
Form D-3. Sample Format for Non-Hearing Motion: AFFIDAVIT
My commission expires: (date) Form D-4. Sample Format for Non-Hearing Motion: DECLARATION
Form D-5. Sample Format for Non-Hearing Motion:
NOTICE OF MOTION AND CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
NOTICE OF MOTION AND CERTIFICATE OF
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has filed with the above-entitled court the motion
attached hereto. Any response to said motion must be filed and served no later than 10 days after the service
date indicated on the attached Certificate of Service. Pursuant to Rule 6(e) of the Hawai‘i Rules of Civil
Procedure, if the motion is served by mail, any response to said motion must be filed and served no later than
12 days after the service date indicated on the attached Certificate of Service.
Non-Hearing Motions
Add to Record on Appeal (Agency Appeal)
Alter or Amend Order or Judgment
Amend Pre-Trial Statement or Responsive Pre-Trial Statement
Amend Answer
Amend Complaint, Crossclaim, Counterclaim or Any Other Claim
Attorney's Charging Lien
Attorney's Fees (except motions for attorneys fees as a sanction pursuant to HRCP 11 or in a foreclosure case
are hearing motions)
Bifurcation as to Issues or as to Third Party Claims (motion for bifurcation as to parties is a hearing motion)
Clarification of Order or Judgment
Clerk to Sign Quitclaim Deed
Consolidate (Must have consolidated captions)
Note: Decided by judge assigned to case with earliest filing date.
Continue Action by or Against Representative of Incompetent Party (HRCP 25(b))
Doe Defendants, Allow Additional Time to Name or Identify (HRCP 17)
Doe Defendants, Certify or Identify
Doe Defendants, Extend Time to File Certification of Doe Defendants
Extend, Review, Revive Judgment pursuant to HRS §657-5
Note:HRS §657-5 allows hearing or non-hearing motion to extend life of judgment.
Extend Time for Third Party to File Pre-Trial Statement or Responsive Pre-Trial Statement
Extend Time to File Motion for Summary Judgment (less than 50 Days Before Trial Date)(HRCP 56(c))
Extend Time to File Pre-Trial Statement or Responsive Pre-Trial Statement
Note: may be done ex parte or by Stipulation and Order Extend Time to Respond to Non-Hearing Motions Filed
File Counterclaim, Crossclaim or Any Other Claim
File Third-Party Complaint (HRCP 14(a))
Joinder or Non-Joinder of Parties
Leave to Dispose of Property Free and Clear
Leave to Present Counterclaim Maturing or Acquired After Pleading
Leave to Set Up Omitted Counterclaim by Amendment
Open Sealed Deposition
Payment of Undisputed Portion of Estimated Compensation
Reconsideration of Order or Judgment Rehear a Hearing Motion (where no written order was filed)
Rehear Non-Hearing Motion (where no written order was filed)
Release Mortgage
Set Aside Default or Vacate Default Entered by Clerk or by the Court
Set Aside Entry of Default Judgment
Set Aside or Vacate Order or Judgment
Sever Claims
Strike Claim
Withdraw Monies
Witness, Extend Time to Name Witness or Name Final Witness
Witness, Extend Witness Cut-Off Date