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Hawaii Small Claims Court Limits
Hawaii small claims court limit is $5,000. No limit for landlord-tenant security deposit cases.
Court Name: Small Claims Division of District Court
Official Website: https://www.courts.state.hi.us/self-help/small_claims_info
Filing Fees in Hawaii
Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $35-55 |
Filing fees vary by claim amount. Additional fees for service of process.
Serving the Defendant
Service must be completed at least 15 days before the hearing date.
Allowed Service Methods:
- Personal service
- Certified mail with return receipt
- Substituted service
Important: You must serve the defendant at least 15 days before the hearing date.
What to Expect at Your Hearing
After filing, you'll typically wait 30-60 days for your hearing date.
No Lawyers Required: Attorneys are NOT permitted to represent parties in Hawaii small claims court, except for collection agencies.
Appeals
No appeal allowed in Hawaii small claims court. Judgment is final.
Hawaii Statute of Limitations
You must file your lawsuit within these time limits from when the dispute occurred:
| Type of Claim | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Written Contract | years |
| Oral Contract | years |
| Property Damage | years |
| Personal Injury | years |
Do I Need a Demand Letter Before Filing?
Sending a demand letter is strongly recommended as Hawaii small claims judgments cannot be appealed.
Create Your Free Demand Letter
Before going to court, try sending a demand letter. It's free, takes 5 minutes, and often resolves disputes without filing.
Create Free Demand LetterFrequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims court limit in Hawaii?
The Hawaii small claims court limit is $5,000 for most cases. Security deposit disputes have no dollar limit.
Can I have a lawyer in Hawaii small claims court?
No. Attorneys cannot represent parties in Hawaii small claims court, with limited exceptions for collection agencies.
Can I appeal a Hawaii small claims judgment?
No. Hawaii small claims court judgments are final and cannot be appealed. Make sure to prepare thoroughly.
How long do I have to sue for breach of contract in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, you have 6 years to file a lawsuit for breach of written or oral contract from the date of breach.
More Resources: All State Guides | Demand Letter Templates | Statute of Limitations Lookup