Rule 82.Jurisdiction and Venue Unaffected.
Current through July 1, 2026 · Last verified September 11, 2026
Full Text of Rule 82
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
One sentence, and it is a disclaimer rather than a grant. These rules are not to be construed to extend or limit the jurisdiction of the family courts, or the venue of actions in them.
That matters because several rules read as though they were about power. Rule 2 defines a civil action by reference to the family courts exclusive original jurisdiction, and Rule 81 lists sixteen categories of proceeding. Neither creates jurisdiction; both describe how the rules apply to jurisdiction the statutes already confer.
The same holds for venue. A rule that tells you where to file a notice of appeal or where a deposition must be taken is a procedural direction, not a venue statute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the Hawaii Family Court Rules create jurisdiction?
No. They are not to be construed to extend or limit the jurisdiction of the family courts.
Do these rules set venue?
No. They neither extend nor limit the venue of actions in the family courts.
Where does family court jurisdiction come from?
Can improper venue be waived?
Rule 12(h)(1) treats improper venue as waived if omitted from a motion raising other defences or from the responsive pleading.
Which rule tells me what the rules apply to?
Rule 81, which lists sixteen categories of proceeding and sends juvenile and adult criminal cases elsewhere.