The writ of mandamus is abolished in the circuit courts, except when directed to a court of inferior jurisdiction. Relief heretofore available by mandamus may be obtained by appropriate action or by appropriate motion under the practice prescribed in these rules. In any action in the nature of mandamus the court may shorten the time prescribed by these rules for pleading or doing any other act.
Rule 81.1.Mandamus.
Last amended July 1, 1972 · Last verified July 3, 2026
In one sentenceRule 81.1 abolishes the writ of mandamus in circuit court, replacing it with an ordinary action or motion, except when the writ is directed to an inferior court.
Full Text of Rule 81.1
Amendment History
Added May 15, 1972, effective July 1, 1972
Plain-English Summary
The writ of mandamus no longer exists as a separate procedural vehicle in the circuit courts, except when it's directed to a court of inferior jurisdiction. Relief that mandamus used to provide is still available, just through an appropriate action or motion brought under the practice these rules already prescribe.
In a case seeking mandamus-type relief this way, the court can shorten the time these rules would otherwise allow for pleading or taking any other required step, letting the case move at the pace the underlying urgency demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a party still file a formal writ of mandamus in circuit court?
No, except when the writ is directed to a court of inferior jurisdiction; otherwise Rule 81.1 abolishes the separate writ and requires an ordinary action or motion instead.
Can the court speed up a case seeking mandamus-type relief?
Yes. Rule 81.1 lets the court shorten the time otherwise allowed for pleading or any other act in such a case.
Source & verification. The rule text and History are reproduced verbatim from the
official Hawaii Rules of Civil Procedure (Haw. R. Civ. P. 81.1). 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: writ of mandamus abolishedmandamus relief by motion