(a)(a) Request for transcript. In those cases where trials and hearings are closed by statute, a request for a transcript by someone other than the party or attorney of record shall be made in writing and shall include the reason for the request. Such requests require approval of the court. Upon the request of any person for a transcript of testimony or other court proceeding, the official reporter shall furnish such transcript in the regular order of cases tried or in such order as the court administrator directs. The official reporter shall not furnish a transcript of a confidential proceeding without the court’s written approval, unless otherwise authorized by law. No such transcript shall be provided unless and until transcript fees are prepaid or a deposit is requested and is made. The provisions of the Hawaiʻi Rules of Appellate Procedure relating to transcripts shall govern requests for transcripts for purposes of appeal. Each request for the transcript of a confidential proceeding shall be in writing and contain a reason for the request. If a request is accompanied by a deposit with the clerk, the deposit shall be further accompanied by directions to the clerk of the court to use it to pay for the reporter’s fees when the transcript is complete. A reporter need not commence preparation of the transcript until the required prepayment or deposit has been made.
(b)(b) Request for an audio or video recording. Upon the request of any person for an audio or video recording of the evidence or other court proceeding, the court clerk or other designated official court personnel shall furnish such audio or video recording in the regular order of cases tried or in such order as the court administrator directs. The court clerk or other designated official court personnel shall not furnish an audio or video recording of a confidential proceeding without the court’s written approval, unless otherwise authorized by law. No such audio or video recording shall be provided until appropriate fees are prepaid or a deposit is made. The provisions of the Hawaiʻi Rules of Appellate Procedure relating to transcripts shall govern requests for audio or video recordings for purposes of appeal. Each request for the audio or video recording of a confidential proceeding shall be in writing and contain a reason for the request. If a request is accompanied by a deposit with the clerk, the deposit shall be further accompanied by direction to the clerk of the court to use it to pay for the appropriate fees when the audio or video recording is complete. The court clerk or other designated official court personnel need not commence preparation of the audio or video recording until the required prepayment or deposit has been made.
(c)(c) Stenographic report or transcript as evidence. Whenever the testimony of a witness at a trial or hearing which was stenographically reported or electronically recorded is admissible in evidence at a later trial, it may be proved by the transcript thereof duly certified by the person who reported the testimony if reported stenographically, or by such person as provided by law or by rule if reported electronically.
End
Amendment History
The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary’s compiled text of this rule carries no amendment order for this rule. For the adopting orders and any later amendments, see the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary’s rules page.
Plain-English Summary
In cases closed by statute, a request for a transcript by anyone other than a party or attorney of record must be in writing, must include the reason, and requires the court approval. Otherwise, on the request of any person the official reporter furnishes a transcript in the regular order of cases or in the order the court administrator directs.
Audio and video recordings are handled the same way by different staff. On request, the court clerk or other designated court personnel furnishes the recording in the regular order or as the court administrator directs, subject to the restrictions the rule states.
Subdivision (c) is about use rather than access. Where testimony at an earlier trial or hearing was stenographically reported or electronically recorded and is admissible at a later trial, it may be proved by the transcript, certified by the person who reported it if taken stenographically, or by the person the law or a rule designates where it was recorded electronically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-party get a transcript of a Hawaii family court hearing?
In cases closed by statute, only by written request stating the reason and with the approval of the court.
How do I get a recording of a hearing?
By request to the court clerk or other designated court personnel, who furnish it in the regular order of cases or as the court administrator directs, subject to the restrictions in the rule.
Do parties need court approval for a transcript?
The written request and approval requirement applies to someone other than the party or attorney of record in cases closed by statute.
Can earlier testimony be proved by transcript?
Yes, where it is admissible at the later trial, by the transcript certified by the person who reported it, or by the person provided by law or rule where it was recorded electronically.
Where does the recording come from?
Rule 43.1 requires the court to preserve testimony and other matters by audio or video recording or another appropriate method.
Source & verification. The rule text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Hawaii Family Court Rules (Haw. Fam. Ct. R. 80). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Hawaii. The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified September 11, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as:transcript request hawaii family courtaudio recording of hearing hawaiiclosed hearing transcript hawaiihawaii family court rule 80