Mediation is a confidential, efficient, and cost-effective way to resolve disputes outside of court. Hawaii’s Uniform Mediation Act (HRS § 658H) establishes the legal framework to protect the confidentiality of information shared during mediation and requires mediators to disclose any conflicts of interest before accepting a case.

To ensure consistency between HRS § 658H and the Hawaii Guidelines for Mediators, and to address current issues in mediation, the Guidelines were reviewed and updated by a committee representing community, academic, government, and private practice mediators. The updated Guidelines were submitted to the Hawaii Supreme Court, which reviewed and endorsed them.

The updated guidelines are now available via the link below. They provide guidance to support best practices and ensure compliance with Hawaii’s Uniform Mediation Act, mediator competence, confidentiality, and protection for individuals facing intimate partner violence.

See below for the links to:

• Hawaii Guidelines for Mediators – View PDF
• Hawaii’s Uniform Mediation Act – View HRS § 658H