Alternative Dispute Resolution

What is Alternative Dispute Resolution?

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) describes processes that offer alternatives to litigation (filing and proceeding with a lawsuit), and provides opportunities for early, party-driven and fair resolution of conflicts. Methods include, but are not limited to, mediation, arbitration, fact-finding, consensus-building, early neutral evaluation, and settlement conferences. The purpose of ADR is to facilitate settlements and agreements on issues defined by the parties.

How can ADR help in my case?

It may:

• Produce greater satisfaction with results
• Create more flexibility, control and participation
• Lead to a better understanding of the case
• Improve case management
• Reduce communication barriers

How do I find ADR services?

• Community mediation centers offer mediation services by trained mediators statewide to assist in helping in the resolution of various types of disputes.
• Private mediators, facilitators, and arbitrators are available throughout the state.

About the Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution

The Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution (Center) is dedicated to making ADR processes broadly available to Hawaii citizens and agencies of state and local government.

• The Center administers the Hawaii Appellate Mediation Program
• The Center manages the Judiciary’s Purchase of Service contract with the community mediation centers for mediation services
• The Center offers ADR-related training to state and county employees

Learn more about the Center

Contact the Center