RULES OF THE DISTRICT COURTS OF THE STATE OF HAWAI‘I
(SCRU-10-0000115)
Adopted and Promulgated by
the Supreme Court
of the State of Hawai‘i
Comments and commentary are provided by the rules committee
for interpretive assistance. The comments and commentary express
the view of the committee and are not binding on the courts.
Effective November 1, 1980
With Amendments as Noted
The Judiciary State of Hawai‘i
RULES OF THE DISTRICT COURTS
OF THE STATE OF HAWAI‘I
Table of Contents
Rule 1. CLASSIFICATION OF PROCEEDINGS
Rule 1.1. INTERPRETATION; EFFECTS OF E-FILING AND
AUTOMATION
(a) Interpretation and enforcement of rules
(b) Effect of Hawai‘i Electronic Filing and Service Rules
(c) Effects of automation on processes and procedures
(d) Conflicts with other rules of court
(e) Definitions
Rule 2. FILING PROCEDURE BY THE CLERK
(a)Case number
(b)Stamp by clerk
(c)Docket entry and filing
(d)Service of pleadings and other documents
(1) Filing: Original kept on file; copies for service
(2) Service and filing of questions and other discovery documents
(e)Signatures
(f)Place of Filing; Assignment to Division
(g)Electronic filing of documents submitted on paper; filing date and time preserved
Rule 2.1. RESERVED
Rule 2.2. COSTS AND FEES TO BE COLLECTED BY THE CLERK
Rule 3. FORM OF PLEADINGS AND MOTIONS
(a) Form
(b) No flyleaf shall be attached to any document, except as provided by Rule 9 of the Hawai‘i Court Records Rules
(c) Form of first page
(d) Two pleadings filed together
(e) Sanctions
(f) Form furnished by the court
(g) Filing by facsimile
(h) Filing by mail
Rule 4. PARTIES WITHOUT COUNSEL
Rule 5. SERVICE OF PAPERS AND PROOF THEREOF
(a) Service required
(b) Proof of service
Rule 6. WITHDRAWAL OF DOCUMENTS AND EXHIBITS
Rule 7. FORM OF MOTIONS
(a) Form
(b) Filings in opposition
(c) Required notice; effect of failure to appear
(d) Non-hearing motions
(e) Reserved
(f) Reserved
(g) Declaration in lieu of affidavit
Rule 7.1. LENGTH OF MEMORANDA
Rule 8. SETTING OF MOTION
Rule 9. TITLES TO ORDERS
Rule 10. ORDERS AND JUDGMENTS GRANTABLE BY THE CLERK
1.Stipulations extending time
2.Orders of dismissal pursuant to Rules 12, 28, and 29 of these Rules
3.Stipulations for substitutions of attorneys
4.Default judgments as provided in Rule 55(b)(1) and judgments
pursuant to Rule 68 of the District Court Rules of Civil Procedure (Attorneys’ fees may be awarded as provided by law)
5.Any other order referred to in the District Court Rules of Civil Procedure which is grantable by the clerk
Rule 10.1 WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL
Rule 11. PROOF OF PUBLICATION
Rule 12. DISMISSAL FOR WANT OF PROSECUTION
Rule 12.1. CIVIL SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE
Rule 12.2. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Rule 13. TRIAL CALENDARS
Rule 14. RESERVED
Rule 15. EXPEDITION OF COURT BUSINESS
(a) Required notice
(b) Effect of failure to appear
Rule 16. DEPOSITIONS
(a) Preparation and sealing by officer taking deposition
(b) Depositions taken outside this state
(c) Unsigned depositions
(d) Sealing
Rule 17. CONDUCT OF A TRIAL
(a) Sequence of presentation
(b) Limitations on number of counsel
Rule 18. PRE-TRIAL DISCLOSURE AND MARKING OF EXHIBITS.
(a) Disclosures and exhibits
(b) Effect of pre-trial order
Rule 19. STIPULATIONS AND ORDERS THEREON
(a) Form of stipulations and orders
(b) Stipulations extending time
Rule 20. RESERVED
Rule 21. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSED FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
Rule 22. REQUEST FOR DRAFT OF DECISION ON ISSUE OF LAW
Rule 23. SETTLEMENT OF JUDGMENTS AND ORDERS
Rule 24. IMMEDIATE NOTICE OF COURT ACTION
Rule 25. ORDER FOR TRANSCRIPT OF EVIDENCE
(a) For purposes other than appeal
(b) For appeal
Rule 25.1. RECORDING OF TESTIMONY AND PROCEEDINGS
(a) Preservation of testimony
(b) Effect of certain terms; obtaining transcript
(c) Preparation of transcript
Rule 26. ATTORNEY'S LIABILITY FOR COSTS: DISQUALIFICATION OF SURETIES
(a) Liability for court costs
(b) Who may not be surety
Rule 27. PREPARATION OF MINUTES AND DEPOSIT OF EXHIBITS
Rule 28. DISMISSAL FOR WANT OF SERVICE
Rule 29. DISMISSAL FOR WANT OF PROSECUTION IN DEFAULT CASES
Rule 30. QUESTIONS AND ADMISSIONS
(a) Objection by party
(b) Form
Rule 31. PROCEEDINGS NOT GOVERNED BY DISTRICT COURT RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE
(a) Procedure
Rule 32. RESERVED
Rule 33. PROCEDURES IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE FIRST CIRCUIT FOR CRIMINAL AND TRAFFIC CASES
(a) Request for discovery; motion to compel discovery.
(b) Pretrial motions governed by Rule 12 of the Hawai‘i Rules of Penal Procedure; time for filing
(c) Form and contents of pretrial motions and motions for continuance; service
(d) Stipulated continuances of trial date
Rule 1. CLASSIFICATION OF PROCEEDINGS
All proceedings shall be divided into the following classes, viz.: CIVIL, (including regular claims), SMALL CLAIMS, SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS, CRIMINAL, AND TRAFFIC.
Proceedings under District Court Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 72, proceedings under HRS § 604-10.5, and any other proceeding not specifically included herein shall be classified under special proceedings.
(Amended February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996.)
Rule 1.1. INTERPRETATION; EFFECTS OF E-FILING AND AUTOMATION.
(a) Interpretation and enforcement of rules. These rules shall be read and construed with reference to each other, the Hawai‘i Electronic Filing and Service Rules, and the Hawai‘i Court Records Rules. In any conflict amongst the Rules of the District Court of the State of Hawai‘i, the Hawai‘i Court Records Rules, and the Hawai‘i Electronic Filing and Services Rules, the Hawai‘i Electronic Filing and Service Rules shall prevail.
(b) Effect of Hawai‘i Electronic Filing and Service Rules. Documents filed and notices given in accordance with the Hawai‘i Electronic Filing and Service Rules shall be deemed to comply with any filing or notice requirements of any part of these Rules of the District Courts of the State of Hawai‘i.
Notwithstanding any language in these Rules of the District Courts of the State of Hawai‘i requiring the filing or service of additional paper copies of documents, such copies are not required for documents filed through the Judiciary Electronic Filing System (JEFS).
(c) Effects of automation on processes and procedures. Duties set out in these rules may be performed by automation.
(d) Conflicts with other rules of court. To the extent there is conflict between these rules and the District Court Rules of Civil Procedure, the Rules of the Small Claims Division of the District Court, or the Hawai‘i Rules of Penal Procedure, the latter shall prevail.
(e) Definitions. See Rule 1 of the Hawai‘i Electronic Filing and Service Rules for definitions.
(Added April 23, 2012, effective June 18, 2012; further amended May 2, 2012, effective June 18, 2012.)
Rule 2. FILING PROCEDURE BY THE CLERK.
(a) Case number. Upon the filing of the initial pleading or other documents, and before the issuance of process, the clerk shall assign a number to such proceeding. All subsequent pleadings and documents to be filed shall bear the number assigned to the initial documents, which shall appear on the first page.
(b) Stamp by clerk. For conventionally filed documents, the clerk shall promptly stamp the time and date upon all documents filed.
(c) Docket entry and filing. Upon the filing of any document, an appropriate entry shall be made in a docket sheet kept for each case. A "docket sheet" may be an electronic record within a court maintained computer.
(d) Service of pleadings and other documents. (1) Filing: Original kept on file; copies for service. For conventionally filed documents and subject to subsection (2) of this subsection (d) pertaining to questions and other discovery documents, when a pleading or other document requiring service is presented for filing, the original shall be accompanied with a sufficient number of copies for service. The original shall be kept on file by the clerk. For conventionally filed documents and those parties not registered with the JEFS, service may be made with the certified copy or copies of the documents together with the certified copy or copies of the summons, and the serving officer shall make proof of service to the court promptly by returning the original summons to the clerk.
(2) Service and filing of questions and other discovery documents. Unless otherwise provided by the Hawai‘i Electronic Filing and Service Rules, the filing of questions and other discovery documents shall be governed by Rule 5 of the District Court Rules of Civil Procedure. If conventionally served, a party seeking admissions or answers to questions shall serve 2 copies of the request for admissions or questions upon the party from whom the admission of answers are sought.
(e) Signatures. Any order or judgment that is filed electronically bearing a facsimile signature in lieu of an original signature of a judge or clerk has the same force and effect as if the judge or clerk had affixed the judge’s or clerk’s signature to a paper copy of the order or judgment and it had been entered on the docket in a conventional manner. For purposes of this rule and any rules of court, the facsimile signature may be either an image of a handwritten signature or the software printed name of the judge preceded by /s/.
(f) Place of filing; assignment to division.
Except as provided by the Hawai‘i Electronic Filing and Service Rules, pleadings and documents for filing shall be presented to the office of the clerk. The clerk shall furnish certified copies of all documents filed if so requested at the time of filing. The administrative judge may designate the division to which a case or class of cases may be assigned.
(g) Electronic filing of documents submitted on paper; filing date and time preserved. Pursuant to Rule 2.5 of the Hawai‘i Electronic Filing and Service Rules, the clerk shall electronically file any paper document submitted to the clerk. The receipt date and time reflected on the conventionally filed document and subsequently filed in JIMS shall be deemed the filing date for all purposes under any of the Hawai‘i Rules of Court. Once electronically filed, the clerk shall not retain the paper document.
(Amended March 16, 1984, partly effective March 16, 1984, effective May 1, 1984; further amended February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996; further amended December 6, 1996, effective December 6, 1996; further amended June 2, 2005, effective July 1, 2005; further amended December 21, 2009, effective nunc pro tunc, July 1, 2005; further amended February 22, 2010, effective February 22, 2010; further amended April 23, 2012, effective June 18, 2012.)
Rule 2.2. COSTS AND FEES TO BE COLLECTED BY THE CLERK.
The clerk shall collect costs and fees provided by Chapter 607 of the Hawai‘i Revised Statutes except that the clerk shall collect the amounts specified herein as follows:
1. For copies of any document in any public record maintained by the clerk:
a. In the clerk's office: $1.00 for the first page and $.50 for each additional page
b. In an off-site storage location: $5.00 plus usual copying charge
c. On microfilm:
i. $5.00 when provided by the clerk plus $1.00 per page
ii. $1.00 per page when obtained via self-service
2. For telefaxing of any document in any public record, the applicable charges plus:
i. Within Hawai‘i: $2.00 first page and
$1.00 each additional page
ii. Outside Hawai‘i, within the United States (including American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands): $5.00 first page and $2.00 each additional page
iii. Outside the United States: $10.00 first page and $5.00 each additional page
3. For copies of audio tapes, electronic copy of any document: $10.00
4. For copies of video tapes: cost of production
5. For any expedited or rush requests (copy(ies) provided within 4 hours if request received before noon): $10.00 plus all other applicable charges
6. Ex officio filing (in addition to the usual filing fee): $10.00
7. Certification under seal of a copy of a pleading or other document subsequent to the initial filing of the pleading or document, except the record on appeal: $2.00
8. For Traffic Court Record Report (non-parking; when a report is available): $1.00 for the first page and $.50 for each additional page
9. For Traffic Court Record Report with clerk’s notes (non-parking; when a report is available): $1.00 for the first page and $.50 for each additional page.
10. Search of records by the clerk (when a request does not include a case number that is available through a self-search of case record indexes): $5.00.
11. Parties to a pending case shall not be charged for the first copy of the court order, opinion, judgment or any other item entered in the case by the court, whether provided on paper or electronically.
12. The clerk shall charge the actual cost of mailing paper copies of any item, provided that the parties to a pending case shall not be charged for the mailing of the first copy of a court order, opinion, or other item entered in the case by the court.
13. The court may waive costs and fees for good cause shown. In lieu of copying and mailing fees, the administrative judge may authorize the clerk to provide copies of orders, opinions, or other items to publishing companies in exchange for published materials for the benefit of the court or the judiciary.
(Added June 15, 2005, effective July 1, 2005; further amended November 23, 2005, effective January 1, 2006; further amended June 16, 2006, effective July 1, 2006; further amended April 23, 2012, effective June 18, 2012; further amended October 23, 2012, effective January 1, 2013.)
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Rule 3. FORM OF PLEADINGS AND MOTIONS.
(a) Form. Unless otherwise required by the Hawai‘i Electronic Filing and Service Rules, all pleadings and other documents to be filed shall be typewritten, printed, photocopied, or otherwise similarly prepared by a duplication process that will produce clear, permanent and legible copies, upon unruled, opaque, unglazed white paper of standard quality not less than 13 pound weight, 8½ x 11 inches in size with a portrait orientation and each sheet shall have a margin all around of at least 1 inch (except as otherwise provided in paragraph (c) of this rule). Such documents shall be typewritten in heavily inked black ribbon or printed in black. The type shall be standard 12 point pica or equivalent. Copies, but not originals, may be two-sided. The lines on each page shall be double-spaced or one and one-half spaced; provided, however, descriptions of real property and quotations may be single spaced. All pages shall be numbered consecutively at the bottom and shall be firmly bound together at the top. Exhibits may be fastened to pages of the specified size and, when prepared by a machine-copying process, shall be equal to typewritten material in legibility and permanency of image. Signatures and all other handwritten entries on papers shall be in ink. The name of the person signing the pleading or document shall be typed or printed in block letters directly below the signature.
(b) No flyleaf shall be attached to any document, except as provided by Rule 9 of the Hawai‘i Court Records Rules. If filed conventionally, documents shall be filed without backs. All documents filed shall be neat, clean, legible and free of interlineations.
(c) Form of first page. The first page of all documents, except for court forms and except as provided in (d) of this rule, shall be in the following form:
(1) The space at the top left of the center of the page shall contain the name, code number, office address, electronic mail address, telephone, and facsimile number of the attorney for the party in whose behalf the document is filed, or of the party if appearing in person;
(2) The space at the top right of the center of the page shall be left blank for the use of the clerk of the court;
(3) There shall be centered the name of the court, which shall be not less than 3 inches from the top of the page;
(4) The space to the left of the center of the page shall contain the title of the cause (which title shall include the names of all of the parties in the initial pleading, but thereafter may be appropriately abbreviated);
(5) In the space to the right of the title of the cause, there shall be listed the class and case number followed by the category best describing the claims asserted in the case and followed in all cases by the character of the paper.
The category best describing the claims asserted in a civil claims case shall be selected from the following:
Assumpsit
Personal Injury
Property Damage
Replevin
Special Proceeding
Summary Possession (Residential Lease)
Summary Possession (Commercial Lease)
Other Civil Action
(6) Certification or acknowledgement of service may be entered at the bottom margin.
(d) Two pleadings filed together. Where 2 or more pleadings or other documents are filed together, only the first page of the first document shall follow all of the requirements of (c) of this rule, and in addition thereto, there shall be listed, after the case number and before the character of the document, the character of all of the documents that are being filed together. The top of the first page of each document other than the first shall start with the name of the court and include the class and case number, the title of the cause and the character of the document, in appropriate spaces as set forth in (c) of this rule.
(e) Sanctions. The court may impose sanctions for the non-compliance with these rules.
(f) Form furnished by the court. The court shall furnish forms approved by the supreme court, and those forms shall be used in all appropriate instances, unless otherwise permitted by the court.
Approved forms may be reproduced through photocopiers, computers or other means. A reproduced form shall be similar in design and content to the approved form. Any person filing a form that is not identical in content to an approved form shall advise the court of the differences by attaching a short explanatory addendum to the document. The court may impose sanctions upon the filing person for failure to comply with this rule. The approved forms or any reproduction thereof permitted by this rule shall not be subject to the format requirements of this rule.
(g) Filing by facsimile. When electronically filing is not required, documents and pleadings may be filed by facsimile transmission if permitted by the local administrative judge and clerk.
(h) Filing by mail. When electronic filing is not required, documents and pleadings required or permitted to be filed in the district courts may be filed by mail addressed to the clerk, but filing shall not be considered timely unless the documents are received by the clerk within the time fixed for filing.
(Amended June 21, 1983, partly effective July 1, 1983, fully effective July 1, 1984; further amended April 23, 1984, fully effective July 1, 1984; further amended February 8, 1996; effective April 1 1996; further amended December 6, 1996, effective December 6, 1996; further amended June 23, 1997, and July 2, 1997, effective August 1, 1997; further amended November 4, 1997; effective December 1, 1997; further amended April 23, 2012, effective June 18, 2012.)
Rule 4. PARTIES WITHOUT COUNSEL.
Parties who appear in person without counsel shall notify the clerk in writing of their names, their mailing and residence addresses, facsimile and telephone numbers and shall keep the clerk informed by proper written notices of changes in the addresses and telephone numbers so given. All such notices shall be duly indexed and filed by the clerk.
Nothing in this rule authorizes a corporation to appear as a party without counsel or to be legally represented by a person who is not licensed to practice law in the State of Hawai‘i.
(Amended February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996.)
Rule 5. SERVICE OF DOCUMENTS AND PROOF THEREOF.
(a) Service required. In all civil actions, pleadings and documents shall be served either electronically, pursuant to Rule 6 of the Hawai‘i Electronic Filing and Service Rules if the case is filed through the JEFS, or, for conventionally served documents, as provided in the District Court Rules of Civil Procedure.
(b) Proof of service. Proof of service may either be provided electronically for cases filed through the JEFS, or may be by written acknowledgment of service, by affidavit of the person making service, or by any other proof satisfactory to the court, unless otherwise provided by law or by the District Court Rules of Civil Procedure. A party who has been prejudiced by failure to receive due notice or to be served, or who has been prejudiced by reason that service was made by mail, may apply to the court for appropriate relief.
(Amended April 23, 2012, effective June 18, 2012.)
Rule 6. WITHDRAWAL OF DOCUMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
For pleadings and documents in paper records, the clerk shall not permit any pleading or document to be taken from the clerk's custody except as provided by Rule 2(d) or as ordered by the court. Exhibits may be withdrawn on the written approval of the court against a written receipt therefor, and the party shall file a copy in its place unless otherwise ordered. The parties in all civil actions shall withdraw all exhibits not attached to the pleadings, and all interrogatories, answers thereto, and depositions within 1 year after final judgment, unless otherwise ordered. If not so withdrawn, they shall be deemed abandoned and may be disposed of by the clerk.
(Amended February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996; further amended April 23, 2012, effective June 18, 2012.)
(a) Form. All motions, except when made during a hearing or trial, shall be in writing, shall state the grounds therefor, shall set forth the relief or order sought, and if involving a question of law shall be accompanied by a memorandum in support of the motion. Every motion, except one entitled to be heard ex parte, shall be accompanied by a notice of hearing or of setting for hearing thereof. The motion may be stated in the notice of hearing. If a motion requires the consideration of facts not appearing of record, it shall be supported by affidavit. The motion shall be filed and served on all parties at least 14 days prior to the time set for hearing, unless otherwise provided by the District Court Rules of Civil Procedure or ordered by the court.
(b) Filings in opposition. An opposing party may serve and file counter affidavits and a written statement of reasons in opposition to the motion and of the authorities relied upon, which shall be served and filed not later than 72 hours preceding the time set for the hearing, except as otherwise ordered by the court.
(c) Required notice; effect of failure to appear. A party who does not oppose or who intends to support a motion, or who desires a continuance, shall immediately notify the court and opposing counsel, or opposing party if the opposing party is not represented by counsel. Failure to appear at the hearing may be deemed a waiver of objections to the granting of the motion.
(d) Non-hearing motions. Notwithstanding Rule 7(a), with appropriate notice, non-hearing motions may be filed if permitted by the administrative judge.
(g) Declaration in lieu of affidavit. In lieu of an affidavit, an unsworn declaration may be made by a person, in writing, subscribed as true under penalty of law, and dated, in substantially the following form:
I, __________________ , do declare under penalty of law that the fore-going
(name of person)
is true and correct.
Dated:
____________________
Signature
(Amended February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996; further amended July 29, 1997, effective September 1, 1997; further amended June 8, 2001, effective July 1, 2001.)
Rule 7.1. LENGTH OF MEMORANDA.
Memoranda in support of or in opposition to any motion shall not exceed 20 pages in length exclusive of affidavits, exhibits and attachments. Reply memoranda shall not exceed 10 pages in length exclusive of affidavits, exhibits and attachments. Upon the filing of an ex parte motion, and for good cause shown, the court may grant permission to exceed page limits. All attached exhibits shall have appropriately labeled tabs. Memoranda exceeding 15 pages shall have a table of contents and a table of authorities.
(Added July 29, 1997, effective September 1, 1997.)
Motions will be heard upon 14 days written notice, unless otherwise ordered by the court or unless a different notice is required by the District Court Rules of Civil Procedure.
(Amended February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996; further amended June 8, 2001, effective July 1, 2001.)
Every order shall indicate the nature thereof in its title.
Rule 10. ORDERS AND JUDGMENTS GRANTABLE BY THE CLERK.
The clerk may grant, sign, and enter the following orders without further direction by the court, but any orders so entered may be set aside or modified by the court:
1. Stipulations extending time;
2. Orders of dismissal pursuant to Rules 12, 28, and 29 of these rules;
3. Stipulations for substitutions of attorneys;
4. Default judgments as provided in Rule 55(b)(1) and judgments pursuant to Rule 68 of the District Court Rules of Civil Procedure (Attorneys' fees may be awarded as provided by law); and
5. Any other order referred to in the District Court Rules of Civil Procedure which is grantable by the clerk.
(Amended February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996; further amended December 6, 1996, effective December 6, 1996; further amended January 23, 2018, effective January 23, 2018.)
Rule 10.1. WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL.
Except as provided in Rule 10(3) of these Rules, withdrawal of counsel in cases pending before the District Courts shall be effective only upon the approval of the court and shall be subject to the guidelines of Rule 1.16 of the Hawaiʻi Rules of Professional Conduct and other applicable law.
(Added February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996; amended August 21, 2019, effective August 21, 2019.)
Rule 11. PROOF OF PUBLICATION.
Whenever the publication in a newspaper of any summons, process, notice or order is required, evidence of such publication shall be given by the affidavit of the editor, publisher, manager, foreman, clerk or printer of such newspaper, not interested in the suit, action, matter or proceeding to which such publication relates, to which affidavit shall be attached a copy of such summons, process, notice or order, and which affidavit shall also specify the dates and times when, and the newspaper in which, the publication was made. The publisher shall file said affidavit with the clerk before the time fixed for hearing.
Rule 12. DISMISSAL FOR WANT OF PROSECUTION.
An action may be dismissed sua sponte with written notice to the plaintiff if no activity has occurred within 8 months after a complaint has been filed (or within any further period of extension granted by the court). Such dismissal may be set aside and the action reinstated by order of the court for good cause shown upon motion duly filed not later than 10 days from the date of the order of dismissal.
(Added November 27, 2007, effective January 1, 2008.)
Rule 12.1. CIVIL SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE.
A settlement conference may be ordered by the court at any time before trial. Any party may also file a request for settlement conference at any time prior to trial. A settlement conference in civil cases shall be subject to the following guidelines:
(1) If a party settles or otherwise disposes of any action prior to a scheduled settlement conference, the party shall immediately notify the court;
(2) Each party to the action shall attend the conference or be represented by an attorney or other representative who has authority to settle the case;
(3) For each party represented by counsel an attorney who is assigned to try the case shall attend the settlement conference. It is expected that the attorney will have become familiar with all aspects of the case prior to the conferences;
(4) Each party to the action shall have thoroughly evaluated the case and shall have discussed and attempted to negotiate a settlement through an exchange of written bona fide and reasonable offers of settlement prior to the conference;
(5) The judge conducting the settlement conference may, at the conclusion of said conference, continue said conference to another time and date, and from time to time thereafter for continued settlement negotiations if the judge has reason to believe a settlement can thereby be effectuated;
(6) Sanctions. The failure of a party or the party's attorney to appear at a scheduled settlement conference, the neglect of a party or the party's attorney to discuss or attempt to negotiate a settlement prior to the conference, or the failure of a party to have a person authorized to settle the case present at the conference shall, unless a good cause for such failure or neglect is shown, be deemed an undue interference with orderly procedures. As sanctions, the court may, in its discretion:
(i) Dismiss the action on its own motion, or on the motion of any party or hold a party in default, as the case may be;
(ii) Order a party to pay the opposing party's reasonable expenses and attorneys' fees;
(iii) Reserved.
(iv) Impose any other sanction as may be appropriate.
(Added February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996.)
Rule 12.2. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION.
The court, in its discretion or upon motion by a party, may order the parties to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process subject to conditions imposed by the court.
(Added May 25, 1999, effective July 1, 1999.)
The court shall prepare and maintain a trial calendar of all cases which may require hearing or trial.
When any civil action is called for trial or for a pretrial or settlement conference after timely notice to all attorneys or parties not represented by counsel, the court, may, on its own motion or on the motion of any party, dismiss such action or hold the defendant in default, as the case may be, if any of the parties fails to appear.
Any case at issue may be advanced and set for a pretrial or settlement conference or be immediately placed on the trial calendar for hearing or trial.
(Amended February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996.)
Rule 15. EXPEDITION OF COURT BUSINESS.
(a) Required notice. Attorneys shall advise the court promptly if a case is settled. An attorney who fails to give the court such prompt advice may be subject to such discipline as the court deems appropriate.
(b) Effect of failure to appear. An attorney who, without just cause, fails to appear when the attorney's case is before the court on a call or motion or on pre-trial or trial, or unjustifiably fails to prepare for a presentation to the court necessitating a continuance, may be subject to such sanction as the court deems appropriate, including an award of reasonable attorney's fees.
(Amended February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996.)
(a) Preparation and sealing by officer taking deposition. Unless an extension of time is granted by the court, the officer taking the deposition shall prepare and seal the deposition within 30 days after the taking of the deposition.
(b) Depositions taken outside this state. Unless an extension of time is granted by the court, depositions taken outside this state shall be filed with the court within 30 days after the taking of the deposition; provided, however, that if a deposition is taken less than 30 days prior to trial, the party taking the deposition shall make appropriate arrangements with the officer taking the deposition for the filing thereof prior to the commencement of trial.
(c) Unsigned depositions. If the officer prepares and seals an unsigned deposition, the officer shall certify on the deposition the fact of waiver, illness, absence or failure of the witness to appear, or the refusal to sign, together with the reason, if any, given therefor.
(d) Sealing. Once the officer has sealed a deposition it shall remain sealed unless opened temporarily by the officer or opened by the direction of a judge; provided that copies may be obtained pursuant to Rule 30(f)(2) of the District Court Rules of Civil Procedure.
(Amended March 16, 1984, partly effective March 16, 1984, fully effective May 1, 1984; further amended February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996.)
(a) Sequence of presentation. Subject to the orders of the court, which may alter the sequence of presentation of the case when there are numerous parties or for other reasons:
(1) The plaintiff (or the prosecuting officer in a criminal case) shall have the right to make an opening statement. The defendant shall also have the right to make an opening statement, either immediately after the plaintiff's or the prosecuting officer's statement or at the beginning of defendant's case.
(2) the plaintiff or prosecuting officer shall produce the evidence on his or her part.
(3) The defendant may then open the defense and offer evidence in support thereof.
(4) The parties may then respectively offer rebutting evidence only.
(5) When the presentation of evidence is concluded, unless the case is submitted on either side or both sides without argument, the plaintiff or prosecuting officer shall open the argument; the defendant may then reply; and the plaintiff or prosecuting officer may conclude the argument, and in the conclusion shall confine themselves to answering any new matter or arguments presented by the defendant.
(b) Limitations on number of counsel. Except by leave of court:
(1) Only one counsel for each party shall examine and cross-examine the same witness or be heard on any question.
(2) No more than two counsel shall appear for any party on the trial.
(Amended February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996; further amended December 6, 1996, effective December 6, 1996.)
Rule 18. PRE-TRIAL DISCLOSURE AND MARKING OF EXHIBITS.
(a) Disclosures and exhibits. When a pre-trial is held, except as and to the extent otherwise ordered by the court:
(1) Each party shall disclose the theory of the party's case, including the basic facts that the party intends to prove and the names and addresses of all witnesses that the party intends to call.
(2) Each party shall disclose to all others and permit examination of all exhibits which are in the party's possession or under the party's control and which the party intends to offer in evidence at the trial.
(3) Unless so disclosed, no exhibits required to be disclosed by paragraph (2) shall be received in evidence at the trial over objection unless the court finds that there was reasonable ground for failing to disclose such exhibits prior to trial.
(4) All exhibits required to be disclosed by paragraph (2), and any other exhibits as may be requested by counsel presenting the same, shall be marked for identification prior to the trial.
Unless otherwise ordered, exhibits for the plaintiffs in civil proceedings and the State in criminal proceedings are designated in numerical order; exhibits for any defendant are designated in alphabetical order.
(b) Effect of pre-trial order. The pre-trial order shall supersede the pleadings where there is any conflict; and shall supplement the pleadings in all other respects.
(Amended February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996.)
Rule 19. STIPULATIONS AND ORDERS THEREON.
(a) Form of stipulations and orders. Unless made in open court, all stipulations shall be in writing, signed by the parties or their attorneys, and filed with the clerk. An order based upon a stipulation shall be sufficient if the words "It is so ordered" or their equivalent are endorsed on the stipulation at the close thereof and signed by the court or by the clerk if permitted under Rule 10.
(b) Stipulations extending time. Stipulations for the approval of the court extending time to act under Rule 6(b)(1), District Court Rules of Civil Procedure, and Rule 45(b), Hawai‘i Rules of Penal Procedure, shall recite the time of expiration of the period originally prescribed or as extended by a previous order.
(Amended February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996.)
Rule 21. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSED FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW.
(a) Proposed findings and conclusions. The party who prevails after the presentation of evidence shall upon request submit to the court proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law pursuant to Rule 52, District Court Rules of Civil Procedure. The party required to prepare such proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law shall have 10 days, unless such time is extended by the court, to draft the same and secure the approval as to form of opposing counsel thereon. If the form of the proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law has not been approved, a party served with the proposed findings and conclusions may within 5 days thereafter serve and deliver to the court objections and a copy of the objecting party's proposed findings and conclusions. The court shall determine the findings of fact and conclusions of law to be entered.
If after the conclusion of all testimony, the court does not indicate which party has prevailed in the action, the respective parties involved may be requested to submit proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law.
(b) Cases maintained as paper records. The prevailing party shall deliver the original and 1 copy to the court, or, if not so approved, serve a copy thereof upon each party who has appeared in the action and deliver the original and 1 copy to the court.
(c) Cases maintained in the Judiciary Information Management System (JIMS). Proposed findings and conclusions shall be submitted in accordance with Rule 9 of the Hawai‘i Electronic Filing and Service Rules.
(Amended February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996; further amended April 23, 2012, effective June 18, 2012; further amended May 2, 2012, effective June 18, 2012.)
Rule 22. REQUEST FOR DRAFT OF DECISION ON ISSUE OF LAW.
Whenever the court proposes to file a written decision on any motion or issue of law, it may at any time request one or more of the parties to submit a draft of decision. In such event, the court shall advise all parties of its action, and the draft so submitted shall be served, and an opportunity shall be given to opposing counsel to present comments with respect thereto. The failure of any party to submit comments with respect to any such draft shall not affect the right of such party to appeal from any judgment incorporated in or based on the decision as issued.
Rule 23. SETTLEMENT OF JUDGMENTS AND ORDERS.
Within 10 days after decision of the court awarding any judgment or order that requires settlement and approval by the court, the prevailing party, unless otherwise ordered by the court, shall prepare a judgment or order in accordance with the decision, attempt to secure the approval as to form of opposing parties thereon, and following such approval file it with the court electronically or, if the case is not within the JIMS, deliver an original paper document and 1 copy to the court. If there is no objection to the form of a proposed judgment, or order, the party shall promptly approve as to form. In the event a proposed judgment or order is not approved as to form by an opposing party within 5 days of a written request for such approval, the prevailing party shall file electronically, pursuant to the Hawai‘i Electronic Filing and Service Rules or, if exempt, shall deliver the original and 1 copy to the court along with notice of service on all parties and serve a copy thereof upon each party who has appeared in the action. If any party objects to a proposed judgment or order, the objecting party shall within 5 days thereafter, serve upon the prevailing party and deliver to the court a statement of the party's objections and the reasons therefor, and the party's proposed judgment or order; and in such event, the court shall proceed to settle the judgment or order. Failure to file and serve objections and a proposed judgment or order shall constitute approval as to form of the prevailing party's proposed judgment or order.
When a party objects to the proposed findings of fact, the objecting party must file proposed alternate findings of fact with the statement of objections.
(Amended February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996; further amended July 29, 1997, effective September 1, 1997; further amended April 23, 2012, effective June 18, 2012.)
Rule 24. IMMEDIATE NOTICE OF COURT ACTION.
The court shall immediately notify counsel of the filing of findings of fact and conclusions of law, or of any opinion or memorandum of decision stating the facts and the court's opinion of the law, or of any other decision or opinion of the court.
Rule 25. ORDER FOR TRANSCRIPT OF EVIDENCE.
(a) For purposes other than appeal. Upon the application of any person for a direction to the official reporter to prepare a transcript of the evidence or other court proceeding, the court shall direct the official reporter to furnish such transcript in the regular order of cases tried or in such order as the court directs. The direction shall be in writing, signed by the court and filed, and a copy served upon opposing counsel and the reporter. It shall provide that the person so ordering such transcript shall within 5 days following the date of the filing of such direction, deposit with the official reporter, the amount of the estimated cost of the fees for the transcript, as provided by statute. Upon completion and certification of the transcript by the official reporter, the reporter shall retain the fees earned by the reporter to the extent that they have been deposited as aforesaid and shall return to the depositor any amount deposited in excess thereof.
(b) For appeal. The Hawai‘i Rules of Appellate Procedure relating to transcripts, including, when applicable, Exhibit A relating to child protective proceedings, shall govern requests for transcripts for purposes of appeal. (Amended February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996; further amended April 18, 2011, effective nunc pro tunc September 27, 2010; further amended April 23, 2012, effective June 18, 2012.)
Rule 25.1. RECORDING OF TESTIMONY AND PROCEEDINGS.
(a) Preservation of testimony. Whenever a court reporter is not in attendance, the court shall order that the testimony and other matters required to be preserved by a reporter shall be preserved on tape or by such other device as may be appropriate. It is the responsibility of the court to see to it that the record so made is sufficiently clear to permit full transcription and truly discloses what occurred in the court, and that a log is kept with such particularity, and with such references to the record made on tape or by other device, as will enable the record to be reviewed and transcribed as occasion arises.
(b) Effect of certain terms; obtaining transcript. Whenever in Rule 25 or other rules of court, or in the provisions of Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, Section 606-13 relating to transcripts, reference is made to the report of the evidence or proceedings at a hearing or trial, or to the court reporter or official reporter, these terms and words of like import shall, if no court reporter was in attendance and the record has been preserved on tape or by other device, be deemed to refer to the record so preserved and to the chief clerk of the court except as otherwise provided. Upon the application of any person for preparation of a transcript of a record so preserved, the court shall direct the chief clerk to cause the transcript to be furnished in the regular order of cases so recorded or in such order as the court directs. Transcript fees shall be deposited as in other cases, and the chief clerk shall not be required to complete arrangements for transcribing the record until the required deposit is made.
(c) Preparation of transcript. A transcript in a case recorded as provided by this rule shall be prepared by a competent person approved by the court. Unless the court otherwise directs (1) the transcript shall be certified by the transcriber who, for this purpose, shall have the powers of a clerk of the court, and (2) the transcript fees shall be paid to the transcriber upon completion of the work.
Rule 26. ATTORNEY'S LIABILITY FOR COSTS: DISQUALIFICATION OF SURETIES.
(a) Liability for court costs. Attorneys shall be liable to the court for court costs incurred by their clients.
(b) Who may not be surety. No attorney or other officer or employee of the court shall become surety on any bond or undertaking in any action or proceeding in this court, unless authorized by the court.
(Amended February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996.)
Rule 27. PREPARATION OF MINUTES AND DEPOSIT OF EXHIBITS.
The court shall cause minutes to be prepared for its own use.
Immediately upon the conclusion of a proceeding, all exhibits shall be filed and noted on the docket sheet.
(Amended February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996.)
Rule 28. DISMISSAL FOR WANT OF SERVICE.
A diligent effort to effect service shall be made in all actions. An action or claim may be dismissed sua sponte with written notice to the plaintiff if no service is made within 12 months after the action or claim has been filed. Such dismissal may be set aside and the action or claim reinstated by order of the court for good cause shown upon motion duly filed not later than 10 days from the date of the order of dismissal.
(Amended February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996; further amended November 27, 2007, effective January 1, 2008; further amended November 1, 2010, effective January 1, 2011.)
Rule 29. DISMISSAL FOR WANT OF PROSECUTION IN DEFAULT CASES.
An action may be dismissed with prejudice sua sponte with written notice to the parties for want of prosecution where all defendants are in default and if the plaintiff fails to obtain entry of default or fails to apply for entry of judgment within 6 months after all defendants are in default. Such dismissal may be set aside and the action reinstated by order of the court for good cause shown upon motion duly filed not later than 10 days from the date of the order of dismissal.
(Amended November 27, 2007, effective January 1, 2008.)
Rule 30. QUESTIONS AND ADMISSIONS.
(a) Objection by party. The party objecting to a question shall serve an answer thereto within 10 days after receiving notice of the court's order overruling the objection, unless otherwise ordered by the court. Answers or objections to questions pursuant to Rule 33 of the District Court Rules of Civil Procedure shall identify and quote each question in full immediately preceding the statement of any answer or objection thereto. Motions to compel answers to specific questions shall also identify and quote each question or response in full or attach a copy thereof. Responses and objections to requests for admissions pursuant to Rule 36 of the District Court Rules of Civil Procedure shall identify and quote each request for admissions in full immediately preceding the statement of any answer or objection thereto.
(b) Form. Questions and requests for admissions served pursuant to Rule 33 and Rule 36, District Court Rules of Civil Procedure, shall provide reasonably sufficient space for the answer after each question or request. Two sets of the questions or requests for admissions shall be served upon the adverse party. Those questions shall not exceed 60 in number, counting any sub-parts or sub-questions as individual questions, without prior leave of court.
(Amended March 16, 1984, partly effective March 16, 1984, fully effective May 1, 1984; further amended, February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996; further amended December 6, 1996, effective December 6, 1996.)
Rule 31. PROCEEDINGS NOT GOVERNED BY DISTRICT COURT RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE.
(a) Procedure. Except as otherwise provided by statute or by other rules of court, where a civil proceeding is not governed by the District Court Rules of Civil Procedure:
(1) The proceeding shall be commenced by petition;
(2) The petition shall be verified by the oath of the petitioner, or someone on the petitioner's behalf, deposing to the best of the petitioner's knowledge and belief;
(3) Service of the petition and order to show cause and any other process or order shall be made as provided by the District Court Rules of Civil Procedure;
(4) A return to the petition shall be made within the time ordered by the court, and if it presents an issue of fact, shall be supported by oath;
(5) The court may designate and order that any one or more of the District Court Rules of Civil Procedure shall be applicable in such case.
(Amended February 8, 1996, effective April 1, 1996.)
Rule 33. PROCEDURES IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE FIRST CIRCUIT FOR CRIMINAL AND TRAFFIC CASES.
This rule shall apply to criminal and traffic cases in the district court of the first circuit.
(a) Request for discovery; motion to compel discovery.
(1) If discovery is sought of the kinds of materials that would be discoverable in circuit court felony cases as of right pursuant to Rules 16(b) and 16(c) of the Hawai‘i Rules of Penal Procedure, a request for informal discovery shall be made directly to the opposing side within 21 days after the defendant's plea of not guilty, provided that the court for cause shown may extend the time for filing a request in a given case, and further provided that the administrative judge may by general order direct that in all criminal and traffic cases, or in specified types of cases, requests for discovery may be made within a given number of days exceeding 21 days after plea. A request for discovery shall be in writing, shall cite the authority for the discovery and shall list the specific materials being sought. Unless otherwise ordered, the request shall not be filed with the court.
(2) If a timely request for discovery is unsuccessful, a motion to compel discovery may be filed, showing materiality and reasonableness of the requested discovery pursuant to Rule 16(d) of the Hawai‘i Rules of Penal Procedure and seeking pursuant to that rule a discretionary order compelling discovery. Unless otherwise ordered for good cause shown, a motion to compel discovery shall establish that a previous timely request for discovery was made. The motion shall be filed within the time provided in subsection (b) of this rule.
(b) Pretrial motions governed by Rule 12 of the Hawai‘i Rules of Penal Procedure; time for filing.
(1) Pretrial motions in the nature of those motions enumerated in Rule 12(b) of the Hawai‘i Rules of Penal Procedure, such as but not limited to motions to compel discovery and motions to suppress, but not including motions in limine made at the date and time of trial of the matter, shall be made in writing and filed with the clerk of court, unless made orally with the permission of the court during another pretrial hearing in the case. In applying Rule 12(c) of the Hawai‘i Rules of Penal Procedure, which requires that pretrial motions shall be made within 21 days after arraignment unless otherwise directed by the court, the administrative judge may by general order direct that in all criminal and traffic cases, or in specified types of cases, pretrial motions may be made within a given number of days exceeding 21 days after the plea of not guilty.
(2) Pursuant to Rule 12(f) of the Hawai‘i Rules of Penal Procedure, failure by a party to make a pretrial motion within the time specified in Rule 12(c) of the Hawai‘i Rules of Penal Procedure, or within any additional time specified by general order of the administrative judge, or within an extension granted by the court in a specific case, shall constitute a waiver of any defenses, objections or requests required to be raised prior to trial, but the court for cause shown may grant relief from the waiver.
(c) Form and contents of pretrial motions and motions for continuance; service. All pretrial motions and motions for continuance lacking the concurrence and approval of opposing parties or their counsel shall be in writing and supported by affidavit, with a notice of hearing attached. Such motions shall be served on opposing counsel not less than 72 hours before the time specified for the hearing, unless a different time is fixed by order of the court. Such an order may for cause be made on ex-parte application. Any affidavits in support of the motion shall be served with the motion; and an opposing affidavit may be served not less than 24 hours preceding the hearing, unless the court permits service at some other time.
(d) Stipulated continuances of trial date. The administrative judge may by general order direct that stipulated motions for continuance filed up to a specified number of days prior to trial shall be deemed approved without the express approval or signature of the court. Stipulated motions for continuance filed after the date specified in any such general order shall be effective only if expressly approved by the court. Any stipulation for continuance shall comply with Rule 19(b) of these rules by specifying the currently scheduled trial date and by reciting the dates of any previous continuances.
(Added May 13, 1986, effective June 1, 1986.)
(Added October 21, 2005, effective January 1, 2006; amended February 22, 1009, effective nunc pro tunc Januuary 1, 2009.)
(Added February 2, 2009, effective nunc pro tunc January 1, 2009.)