Rule 83.Rules.
Current through July 1, 2026 · Last verified September 11, 2026
Full Text of Rule 83
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
Rulemaking runs through two bodies. The board of family court judges may recommend rules of court governing practice and procedure in the family courts, and amendments to them, for adoption by the supreme court. The supreme court promulgates; the board proposes.
Publication is built in. Copies of rules and amendments, once promulgated, are made available to each attorney licensed to practise law in the State.
The last clause is the gap-filler. In all cases not provided for by rule, the rule directs how the court is to proceed, which is what keeps a procedural vacuum from stopping a case. Rule 84 supplies the matching power over forms, letting judges of the family courts prescribe them consistent with these rules and the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the Hawaii Family Court Rules?
The supreme court promulgates them. The board of family court judges may recommend rules and amendments for adoption.
How are new rules published?
Copies of rules and amendments, when promulgated by the supreme court, are made available to each attorney licensed to practise law in the State.
What happens if no rule covers the situation?
The rule addresses cases not provided for by rule, so that the absence of a rule does not leave the court without a way to proceed.
Who prescribes the court forms?
Rule 84 lets judges of the family courts prescribe forms from time to time consistent with these rules and law.
What are these rules called?
Rule 85 gives the citation: the Hawaii Family Court Rules, abbreviated HFCR.