Opinion ID: 2581004
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Interpretation of Administrative Regulations

Text: With respect to interpreting the HAR, [t]he general principles of construction which apply to statutes also apply to administrative rules. As in statutory construction, courts look first at an administrative rule's language. If an administrative rule's language is unambiguous, and its literal application is neither inconsistent with the policies of the statute the rule implements nor produces an absurd or unjust result, courts enforce the rule's plain meaning. International Bhd. of Elec. Workers, Local 1357 v. Hawaiian Tel. Co., 68 Haw. 316, 323, 713 P.2d 943, 950 (1986) (citations omitted). Moreover, an administrative agency's interpretation of its own rules is entitled to deference unless it is plainly erroneous or inconsistent with the underlying legislative purpose. Id. In re Wai'ola O Moloka'i, Inc., 103 Hawai'i 401, 425, 83 P.3d 664, 688 (2004) (quoting Lee v. Elbaum, 77 Hawai'i 446, 457, 887 P.2d 656, 667 (App.1993)).