The procedure for obtaining a declaratory judgment pursuant to statute shall be in accordance with these rules, and the right to trial by jury may be demanded under the circumstances and in the manner provided in Rules 38 and 39. The existence of another adequate remedy does not preclude a judgment for declaratory relief in cases where it is appropriate, except that declaratory relief may not be obtained in any controversy with respect to taxes. The court may order a speedy hearing of an action for a declaratory judgment and may advance it on the calendar.
Rule 57.Declaratory Judgments.
Last amended January 1, 2000 · Last verified July 3, 2026
In one sentenceRule 57 folds statutory declaratory judgment actions into the ordinary civil rules, preserves the right to a jury, and lets the court speed up the hearing.
Full Text of Rule 57
Amendment History
Amended December 7, 1999, effective January 1, 2000
Plain-English Summary
A declaratory judgment sought under statute follows the same procedure as any other civil action under these rules, and a party can still demand a jury trial on it under the same circumstances and in the same manner as Rules 38 and 39 allow. The fact that another adequate remedy exists doesn't block a declaratory judgment where one is otherwise appropriate, though declaratory relief is unavailable in any tax controversy.
Because these cases often benefit from quick resolution, the court may order a speedy hearing and move a declaratory judgment action ahead on the calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a party get a jury trial in a declaratory judgment action?
Yes, under the same circumstances and manner that Rules 38 and 39 allow in any other civil action.
Does having another legal remedy available block a declaratory judgment?
No, except in tax controversies, where declaratory relief isn't available at all.
Can a declaratory judgment case be sped up?
Yes. Rule 57 lets the court order a speedy hearing and advance the case on the trial calendar.
Source & verification. The rule text and History are reproduced verbatim from the
official Hawaii Rules of Civil Procedure (Haw. R. Civ. P. 57). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Hawaii (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 602-11; Haw. Const. art. VI, § 7). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 3, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: declaratory judgment proceduredeclaratory relief