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Small Claims Online Dispute Resolution Pilot Project

 

Filing a Small Claim — Oahu, Maui County, Hawaii County, and Kauai County

Please Read Carefully

The Hawaii State Judiciary has developed a pilot program for small claims disputes to be resolved online. 

In all circuits: First Circuit (Oahu), Second Circuit (Maui County), Third Circuit (Hawaii County), Fifth Circuit (Kauai County) Online Dispute Resolution is now required for the following:

  • Individuals who are not represented by an attorney. These individuals are sometimes called Self-Represented Litigants or pro se parties.
  • An individual involved in a dispute with only one other person and all parties are not represented by an attorney. For example, Party A (one person) files a complaint against Party B (another person).
  • Multi-Party individuals involved in a dispute and all parties are not represented by an attorney. For example, Party A and B (co-plaintiffs) files a complaint against Party C and D (co-defendants).
  • This pilot program does not apply to businesses.

Welcome to the Small Claims Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) page where you can learn how to settle your small claims disputes online without ever stepping inside a courthouse.

The Judiciary developed ODR as a means to improve access to justice for self-represented litigants. Because this is done online, you don’t have to spend time traveling to meetings or court appearances. For some people, this will be a faster and less expensive way to settle disputes. Plus, because it’s available 24/7, you can complete your court forms at a time that is most convenient for you.

What if I have computer issues or other challenges resolving my small claims dispute online?

If you do not have access to a computer, have difficulties with reliable Internet access, or any other information you want the court to consider, you must submit a request to the court to be permitted to file or respond to a complaint against you in person/over the counter”. You may file the Request for Exemption from Small Claims ODR Pilot Project at any District courthouse on Oahu, Maui, Hawaii or Kauai.

How do I get started?

Hawaiiʻs ODR systems uses TurboCourt, which guides self-represented litigants like you through personalized questions about your situation, then creates and files the required forms to the court.

First, you must sign up for a TurboCourt account by going to TurboCourt Hawaii.

ODR Resources

Here are some resources to help you through the online dispute resolution process:

What if I have a question about my court case?

Contact:

First Circuit (Oahu)

  • District Court Service Center: 808-538-5629

Second Circuit (Maui County)

  • Help Line: 808-244-2998

Third Circuit (Hawaii County)

  • Hilo: 808-961-7515
  • Kona: 808-322-8703
  • South Kohala: 808-443-2030

Fifth Circuit (Kauai County)

  • Fifth Circuit Help Line: 808-482-2303

What if I need a special accommodation or an interpreter?

If you need an accommodation for a disability when participating in a court program, service, or activity, please contact one of the Disability Accommodations Coordinators as far in advance as possible to allow time to provide an accommodation. You are also welcome to send an e-mail to adarequest@courts.hawaii.gov or complete the Disability Accommodation Request Form. The Disability Accommodations Coordinator will try to provide, but cannot guarantee, the requested auxiliary aid, service, or accommodation.

The TurboCourt program uses Google Translate. Not all languages are supported and the Judiciary does not guarantee the accuracy of the Google translation program. If you need an interpreter, please send an e-mail to adarequest@courts.hawaii.gov. You may also call 808-539-4860.