Hawaii Small Claims Court

How it works in Hawaii

1. File a Statement of Claim with the District Court Service Center or clerk and pay the $35 fee, or ask a judge to waive it. On Oahu, file in person at 1111 Alakea Street in Honolulu.
2. File in the division where the defendant lives. If the defendant lives outside the circuit, file where the claim arose.
3. Serve the defendant by certified or registered mail, through a process server or another adult who isn't a party, or yourself with a signed acknowledgment or an independent witness.
4. Go to court on the trial date with your documents and witnesses. Contested cases may go to mediation first, and on Oahu mediation is mandatory.
5. If you win, have the judgment written up and filed with the court.

What it costs

$35. A judge can waive it for financial hardship. Service costs are extra.

How long you have to sue

Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 657-1, 657-7. These are general limits. The clock can start late, pause or be much shorter, as it is for claims against a government agency.

If you lose

Neither side can appeal: the judge's decision is final, though the court can alter or set aside a judgment under its rules.

Official links

• Hawaii small claims self-help
• Court forms
• Find your court