Opinion ID: 2639532
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Motion for Leave to File an Amended Complaint

Text: HRCP Rule 15(a) (2000) provides that leave [to amend a complaint] shall be freely given when justice so requires. This court has interpreted the rule as meaning that the grant or denial of leave to amend under Rule 15(a) is within the discretion of the trial court. Associated Enq'rs & Contractors v. State, 58 Haw. 187, 218, 567 P.2d 397, 417 (1977) (citing Bishop Trust Co., Ltd. v. Kamokila Dev. Corp., 57 Haw. 330, 555 P.2d 1193 (1976)). In the absence of any apparent or declared reason  such as undue delay, bad faith or dilatory motive on the part of the movant, repeated failure to cure deficiencies by amendments previously allowed, undue prejudice to the opposing party by virtue of allowance of the amendment, futility of amendment, etc.  the leave sought should, as the rules require, be freely given. Associated Enq'rs & Contractors, 58 Haw. at 218-19, 567 P.2d at 417 (quoting Foman v. Davis, 371 U.S. 178, 182, 83 S.Ct. 227, 9 L.Ed.2d 222 (1962)).