Hawaii
Hawaii Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 18, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 9, 2026. · 12 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
Hawaii sets a two-year deadline for personal injury claims under HRS 657-7 and a six-year deadline for written and oral contracts under HRS 657-1. Murder and certain serious felonies carry no time limit for prosecution under HRS 701-108.
Hurt in Hawaii? If you are still within the deadline above, you can estimate what your injury claim may be worth with our free Hawaii personal injury settlement calculator. It gives an instant range based on your medical costs and Hawaii's fault rule (general information, not legal advice).
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Hawaii?
The statute of limitations in Hawaii is a legal deadline that determines how long you have to file a lawsuit or criminal charges. If you miss the deadline, you generally lose the right to bring that case to court. These time limits exist because evidence grows stale over time. Witnesses move away or forget details, and physical evidence deteriorates.
Hawaii sets different deadlines depending on the type of case. Civil cases (lawsuits between private parties) typically follow the time limits found in HRS Chapter 657. Criminal cases follow HRS 701-108.
The clock usually starts ticking on the date the injury, damage, or offense occurs. However, Hawaii recognizes a "discovery rule" for certain claims. Under this rule, the deadline does not begin until the injured party discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, the harm and its cause.
Hawaii Civil Statute of Limitations
Hawaii's civil statute of limitations sets deadlines for filing lawsuits and other civil actions. These limits range from two to ten years depending on the type of case. If you fail to file before the deadline expires, the opposing party can raise the statute of limitations as a defense and ask the court to dismiss your case.
Civil Filing Deadlines by Case Type
| Case Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years | HRS 657-7 |
| Property Damage | 2 years | HRS 657-7 |
| Libel / Slander (Defamation) | 2 years | HRS 657-4 |
| Fraud | 6 years | HRS 657-1(4) |
| Trespass | 2 years | HRS 657-7 |
| Written Contracts | 6 years | HRS 657-1(1) |
| Oral Contracts | 6 years | HRS 657-1(1) |
| Debt Collection | 6 years | HRS 657-1(1) |
| Collection of Rents | 6 years | HRS 657-1(1) |
| Medical Malpractice | 2 years from discovery; 6 years maximum | HRS 657-7.3 |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years from date of death | HRS 663-3 |
| Construction Defects | 2 years from discovery; 10 years maximum from completion | HRS 657-8 |
| Claims Against the State | 2 years | HRS 662-4 |
| Claims Against a County | 2 years (written notice required) | HRS 46-72 |
| Judgment Enforcement | 10 years (extendable up to 20 years total) | HRS 657-5 |
Personal Injury and Property Damage (2 Years)
Under HRS 657-7, actions for damage or injury to persons or property must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues. This covers car accidents, slip and fall injuries, product liability, and similar personal injury claims.
The two-year clock starts on the date the injury occurs. Hawaii courts calculate this period by excluding the first day (the day the injury happens) and including the last day two years later.
Contracts and Debt Collection (6 Years)
Hawaii gives you six years to file a lawsuit for breach of contract, whether the contract was written or oral. This same six-year period applies to debt collection actions and claims for unpaid rent under HRS 657-1.
The six-year limit also serves as a catchall for "personal actions of any nature whatsoever not specifically covered by the laws of the State." If your claim does not fit neatly into another category, the six-year deadline likely applies.
Medical Malpractice (2 Years from Discovery, 6 Years Maximum)
Medical malpractice claims in Hawaii follow a special rule under HRS 657-7.3. You must file within two years of discovering (or when you reasonably should have discovered) all three of the following: the injury, the violation of the standard of care, and the connection between the two.
However, no medical malpractice claim may be brought more than six years after the date the medical tort actually occurred. This six-year outer limit is tolled for any period during which the health care provider fails to disclose a known act, error, or omission on which the claim is based.
Wrongful Death (2 Years)
Under HRS 663-3, a wrongful death action must be brought within two years of the date of death. Surviving spouses, children, parents, or a personal representative may file on behalf of the deceased.
Construction Defects (2 Years / 10 Years Maximum)
Claims for property damage, bodily injury, or wrongful death arising from deficiencies in the planning, design, construction, or supervision of a real property improvement must be brought within two years of discovery under HRS 657-8. An absolute ten-year statute of repose applies from the date of substantial completion of the improvement.
Claims Against Government Entities
If you need to sue the State of Hawaii for a tort (like negligence), you have two years under the State Tort Liability Act (HRS 662-4).
For claims against a county, you must provide written notice within two years of the injury under HRS 46-72. The notice must include when, where, and how the injury occurred, the extent of injuries, and the amount claimed. This notice must go to the person identified in the county charter, or if none is specified, to the chairperson of the county council or county clerk.
Judgment Enforcement (10 Years)
Under HRS 657-5, a court judgment can be enforced for ten years from the date it was rendered. You may request an extension within that ten-year window, but no judgment can be extended beyond twenty years from the original date.
Hawaii Criminal Statute of Limitations
Hawaii's criminal statute of limitations sets deadlines for prosecutors to file criminal charges. These limits are found in HRS 701-108. As with most states, Hawaii does not set any time limit on the most serious crimes.
Crimes With No Statute of Limitations
The following crimes may be prosecuted at any time in Hawaii:
- Murder in the first or second degree
- Attempted murder in the first or second degree
- Criminal conspiracy to commit murder in any degree
- Criminal solicitation to commit murder in any degree
- Sexual assault in the first or second degree
- Sex trafficking
- Continuous sexual assault of a minor under the age of 14
Criminal Filing Deadlines by Offense Type
| Offense Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Murder, attempted murder, conspiracy/solicitation to commit murder | No limit | HRS 701-108(1) |
| Sexual assault (1st and 2nd degree), sex trafficking | No limit | HRS 701-108(1) |
| Continuous sexual assault of a minor under 14 | No limit | HRS 701-108(1) |
| Manslaughter (not involving motor vehicle death) | 10 years | HRS 701-108(2)(a) |
| Class A felonies | 6 years | HRS 701-108(2)(b) |
| Felonies under Part IX of Chapter 708 (property offenses) | 5 years | HRS 701-108(2)(c) |
| Other felonies | 3 years | HRS 701-108(2)(d) |
| Misdemeanors and parking violations | 2 years | HRS 701-108(2)(e) |
| Petty misdemeanors and non-parking violations | 1 year | HRS 701-108(2)(f) |
Extensions for Fraud and Public Office Misconduct
Hawaii law allows the criminal statute of limitations to be extended in certain circumstances under HRS 701-108(3):
Fraud or breach of fiduciary obligation. If fraud, deception, or breach of fiduciary obligation is an element of the offense, prosecution may be brought within three years of discovery, with the total extension capped at six years beyond the original deadline.
Misconduct in public office. If the offense involves misconduct while holding public office, prosecution may be brought within two years of discovery, with the total extension capped at three years beyond the original deadline.
DNA evidence. For any felony where DNA evidence from the offender is available, the statute of limitations may be extended by up to ten additional years, as long as the DNA testing is completed before the original deadline expires.
Tolling (Pausing) the Criminal Statute of Limitations
Under HRS 701-108(6), the clock stops running in these situations:
- The defendant is absent from the state or has no identifiable residence or workplace in Hawaii (maximum four-year extension)
- A prosecution is already pending for the same conduct
- For felony offenses under Part V or VI of Chapter 707 (sex offenses and offenses against the family), the clock is paused while the victim is alive and under 18 years old
Sexual Abuse Claims: Special Rules for Childhood Abuse
Hawaii has enacted important changes to the statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases, particularly for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Childhood Sexual Abuse
Under HRS 657-1.8, civil claims based on childhood sexual abuse may be filed:
- Up to eight years after the survivor's 18th birthday, or
- Within three years of discovering that a psychological injury was caused by the abuse, whichever is later
For abuse occurring on or after July 1, 2024, survivors have up to 32 years after their 18th birthday to file a civil claim, or five years after discovering a psychological illness was caused by the abuse.
The 2024 Extension (Act 250)
Act 250, enacted from Senate Bill 2601 and signed by Governor Josh Green in 2024, extended the childhood sexual abuse deadline described above, but only on a forward-looking basis. The Act states: "This Act shall not be deemed retroactive. This Act shall only apply prospectively and does not revive any action that has passed the existing statute of limitations." It also repealed an older provision of HRS 657-1.8(b) that had opened an 8-year window, running from April 24, 2012 and now expired, for survivors previously barred by Hawaii's pre-2012 statute of limitations. Hawaii does not currently have an open revival window for claims that are already time-barred.
Tolling the Civil Statute of Limitations
Hawaii law recognizes several situations where the statute of limitations is paused, giving plaintiffs additional time to file.
Minors
Under HRS 657-13, if the injured person is a minor (under 18), the statute of limitations does not begin running until they turn 18. This means a minor who suffers a personal injury has until age 20 (two years after turning 18) to file a lawsuit.
Mental Incapacity
The same statute tolls the deadline for people who are mentally incapacitated at the time the cause of action accrues. The statute of limitations begins running when the disability is removed.
Imprisonment
If a person is imprisoned at the time their cause of action accrues, the statute of limitations is tolled during the period of imprisonment.
Discovery Rule
For claims where the injury is not immediately apparent, Hawaii courts apply the discovery rule. The statute of limitations does not begin until the plaintiff discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, the injury, the wrongful act, and the connection between them. This rule is particularly important for medical malpractice, fraud, and latent construction defect cases.
What Happens When the Statute of Limitations Expires?
Once the statute of limitations runs out, the legal consequences are significant:
Civil cases. The defendant can file a motion to dismiss based on the expired deadline. If the court agrees the deadline has passed, your case will be dismissed and you lose the right to recover damages permanently.
Criminal cases. Prosecutors cannot file charges after the deadline has passed. The defendant can raise the expired statute of limitations as a defense, and the charges must be dismissed.
There are very few exceptions to an expired statute of limitations. Courts rarely grant extensions outside the tolling provisions already written into law. Filing your claim or reporting a crime as early as possible is always the safest approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Hawaii?
Hawaii gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit under HRS 657-7. The clock starts on the date of the injury, or on the date you discover the injury if it was not immediately apparent.
Is there a statute of limitations for murder in Hawaii?
No. Hawaii has no statute of limitations for murder in the first or second degree, attempted murder, criminal conspiracy or solicitation to commit murder, sexual assault in the first or second degree, sex trafficking, or continuous sexual assault of a minor under 14.
How long do I have to sue for breach of contract in Hawaii?
You have six years to file a breach of contract lawsuit in Hawaii under HRS 657-1. This applies to both written and oral contracts.
Can the statute of limitations be extended in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii law tolls (pauses) the statute of limitations for minors until they turn 18, for people with mental incapacity, and for imprisoned individuals under HRS 657-13. The discovery rule also delays the start of the clock for injuries that are not immediately apparent.
What is Hawaii's statute of limitations for medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice claims in Hawaii must be filed within two years of discovering the injury under HRS 657-7.3. However, no claim may be brought more than six years after the date of the medical tort, regardless of when it was discovered.
Updates
Removed a fabricated claim that Hawaii opened a 2024-2026 revival window letting previously time-barred adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse sue; the actual 2024 law (Act 250) only extends the filing deadline for abuse occurring on or after July 1, 2024, is explicitly non-retroactive, and repealed an older (already-expired) revival provision instead of creating a new one.
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources
Corrected the systematic off-by-one subsection cites in the HRS 701-108 criminal statute-of-limitations table (each row was pointing to the wrong lettered subpart, and the 'no limit' offenses were miscited to subsection (2)(a) instead of the correct unlettered subsection (1)), fixed the criminal tolling section's citation from HRS 701-108(4) to (6), fixed the Collection of Rents citation to HRS 657-1(1), and restored the concealment-tolling exception to the medical-malpractice six-year outer limit (HRS 657-7.3(a)).
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Reviewed and approved by an editor
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 657: LIMITATION OF ACTIONS
§ 657-7Damage to persons or propertyIn forcecited in 6 of our articles
Actions for the recovery of compensation for damage or injury to persons or property shall be instituted within two years after the cause of action accrued, and not after, except as provided in section 657-13. [L 1907, c 113, §1; am L 1913, c 19, §1; RL 1925, §2645; RL 1935, §3916; RL 1945, §10427; RL 1955, §241-7; am L 1957, c 138, §1; HRS §657-7; am L 1972, c 105, §1(e)]
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at capitol.hawaii.gov
Cited in 161 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Pele Defense Fund v. Paty (Hawaii Supreme Court 1992, 73 Haw. 578)“…hold that the two-year statute of limitations set forth in HRS § 657-7 governs § 1983 actions, 11…”
- Au v. Au (Hawaii Supreme Court 1981, 63 Haw. 263)“…was never briefed or discussed previously. They argue that HRS § 657-7 encompasses and applies to the kinds of…”
- Larsen v. Pacesetter Systems, Inc. (Hawaii Supreme Court 1992, 74 Haw. 1)“…ns is the two year period for personal injury actions under HRS § 657-7 (1985), and argues that plaintiff has f…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Hawaii Dog Bite Laws: Liability and Victim Rights, Hawaii Car Accident Laws: No-Fault, PIP, and Your Claim, Motorcycle Accident Laws in Hawaii (2026): Deadlines & Helmets
§ 657-1Six yearsIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
The following actions shall be commenced within six years next after the cause of action accrued, and not after: (1) Actions for the recovery of any debt founded upon any contract, obligation, or liability, excepting such as are brought upon the judgment or decree of a court; excepting further that actions for the recovery of any debt founded upon any contract, obligation, or liability made pursuant to chapter 577A shall be governed by chapter 577A; (2) Actions upon judgments or decrees rendered in any court not of record in the State, or, subject to section 657-9, in any court of record in any foreign jurisdiction; (3) Actions for taking or detaining any goods or chattels, including actions in the nature of replevin; and (4) Personal actions of any nature whatsoever not specifically covered by the laws of the State. [CC 1859, §1036; am imp L 1907, c 113, §1; am L 1913, c 19, §1; RL 1925, §2639; RL 1935, §3910; am L 1943, c 139, §1; RL 1945, §10421; RL 1955, §241-1; am L 1965, c 139, §1; HRS §657-1; am L 1972, c 105, §1(a); am L 1978, c 109, §3]
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at capitol.hawaii.gov
Cited in 99 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Pele Defense Fund v. Paty (Hawaii Supreme Court 1992, 73 Haw. 578)“…ather than the six-year statute of limitations set forth in HRS § 657-1 (4). 12 Federal law di…”
- Blair v. Ing (Hawaii Supreme Court 2001, 95 Haw. 247)“…t the statute of limitations applicable to contract claims, HRS § 657-1(1), governs legal malpractice claims).…”
- Au v. Au (Hawaii Supreme Court 1981, 63 Haw. 263)“…otion contends that this Court should reconsider the use of HRS § 657-1(4) as the limitations period for counts…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Hawaii Debt Collection Laws: The Bracket Garnishment Formula, 6-Year Debt Limit, and Repossession
§ 657-1.8Civil action arising from sexual offenses; application; certificate of merit; trauma-informed responseIn force
(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, no action for recovery of damages based on physical, psychological, or other injury or condition suffered by a victim when the victim was a minor, arising from the sexual abuse of the victim by any person when the victim was a minor, shall be commenced against the person who committed the act of sexual abuse more than: (1) For sexual abuse committed before July 1, 2024: (A) Eight years after the eighteenth birthday of the victim; or (B) Three years after the date the victim discovers or reasonably should have discovered that psychological injury or illness occurring after the victim's eighteenth birthday was caused by the sexual abuse, whichever occurs later; or (2) For sexual abuse committed on or after July 1, 2024: (A) Thirty-two years after the eighteenth birthday of the victim; or (B) Five years after the date the victim discovers or reasonably should have discovered that psychological injury or illness occurring after the victim's eighteenth birthday was caused by the sexual abuse, whichever occurs later.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at capitol.hawaii.gov
Cited in 10 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Foresman v. Foresman. ICA s.d.o., filed 03/06/2024 [ada], 154 Haw. 46. Application for Writ of Certiorari, filed 0n 05/07/2024. S.Ct. Order Accepting Application for Writ of Certiorari, filed 06/28/2024 [ada]. (Hawaii Supreme Court 2025)“…tiff filed his complaint in 2016, the applicable version of HRS § 657-1.8 provided, in relevant part:…”
- Foresman v. Foresman (Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals 2024)“…time. 3 See Peugh v. United States, 569 2 HRS § 657-1.8 allows for "[a] civil cause of action f…”
- A.S. v. Trustees of the Estate of Bernice Pauahi Bishop (Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals 2025)“…imants when they were students at Kamehameha Schools. HRS § 657-1.8 permits certain actions "for recovery…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 657-7.3Medical torts; limitation of actions; timeIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
[(a)] No action for injury or death against a chiropractor, clinical laboratory technologist or technician, dentist, naturopathic physician, nurse, nursing home administrator, dispensing optician, optometrist, osteopath, physician or surgeon, physical therapist, podiatrist, psychologist, or veterinarian duly licensed or registered under the laws of the State, or a licensed hospital as the employer of any such person, based upon such person's alleged professional negligence, or for rendering professional services without consent, or for error or omission in such person's practice, shall be brought more than two years after the plaintiff discovers, or through the use of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the injury, but in any event not more than six years after the date of the alleged act or omission causing the injury or death. This six-year time limitation shall be tolled for any period during which the person has failed to disclose any act, error, or omission upon which the action is based and which is known to the person.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at capitol.hawaii.gov
Cited in 20 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Yamaguchi v. Queen's Medical Center (Hawaii Supreme Court 1982, 65 Haw. 84)“…tations applicable to medical tort proceedings contained in HRS § 657-7.3 (1976). From what we have ascertained t…”
- Hays v. City and County of Honolulu (Hawaii Supreme Court 1996, 81 Haw. 391)“…personal property). In 1973, the legislature enacted HRS § 657-7.3, 3 providing a specific st…”
- Jacoby v. Kaiser Foundation Hospital (Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals 1981, 1 Haw. App. 519)“…judgment, alleging that plaintiffs’ complaint was barred by HRS § 657-7.3. 1 The court granted the m…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Medical Malpractice Laws in Hawaii (2026): Deadlines & Caps
§ 657-13Infancy, insanity, imprisonmentIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
If any person entitled to bring any action specified in this part (excepting actions against the sheriff, chief of police, or other officers) is, at the time the cause of action accrued, either: (1) Within the age of eighteen years; (2) Insane; or (3) Imprisoned on a criminal charge, or in execution under the sentence of a criminal court for a term less than the person's natural life; such person shall be at liberty to bring such actions within the respective times limited in this part, after the disability is removed or at any time while the disability exists. [CC 1859, §1039; RL 1925, §2648; RL 1935, §3919; RL 1945, §10430; RL 1955, §241-12; am L 1963, c 13, §1 and c 85, §3; HRS §657-13; am L 1972, c 2, §37(1); gen ch 1985; am L 1989, c 211, §10; am L 1990, c 281, §11]
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at capitol.hawaii.gov
Cited in 40 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Kahale v. City and County of Honolulu (Hawaii Supreme Court 2004, 104 Haw. 341)“…governing their claims was not tolled by the provisions of HRS § 657-13(1) (1993). [2] In response, the City a…”
- Hun v. Center Properties (Hawaii Supreme Court 1981, 63 Haw. 273)“…held that Ill. Ann. Stat., chapter 83, of similar design to HRS § 657-13, thereby tolling the limitations period…”
- Salavea v. City and County of Honolulu (Hawaii Supreme Court 1973, 55 Haw. 216)“…ing a notice of claim by virtue of the tolling provision in HRS § 657-13 (Supp. 1972), [4] even assuming that n…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 657-8Limitation of action for damages based on construction to improve real propertyIn force
(a) No action, whether in contract, tort, statute, or otherwise, to recover damages for any injury to property, real or personal, or for bodily injury or wrongful death, arising out of any deficiency or neglect in the planning, design, construction, supervision and administering of construction, and observation of construction relating to an improvement to real property shall be commenced more than ten years after the date of completion of the improvement. (b) This section shall not be construed to extend any shorter period of limitation under this chapter, including the six-year statute of limitations under section 657-1 or the two-year statute of limitations for damages to persons or property under section 657-7, as applicable, subject to the ten-year statute of repose under subsection (a). (c) This section shall not apply to actions for damages against owners or other persons having an interest in the real property or improvement based on their negligent conduct in the repair or maintenance of the improvement or to actions for damages against surveyors for their own errors in boundary surveys.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at capitol.hawaii.gov
Cited in 12 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Association of Apartment Owners of Wailea Elua v. Wailea Resort Co. (Hawaii Supreme Court 2002, 100 Haw. 97)“…in favor of the engineer and contractor on the ground that HRS § 657-8 absolved them from liability because th…”
- Association of Apartment Owners of Newtown Meadows Ex Rel. Board of Directors v. Venture 15, Inc. (Hawaii Supreme Court 2007, 115 Haw. 232)“…ies claims were barred by the ten-year statute of repose in HRS § 657-8 (Supp.2006) [hereinafter, the statute o…”
- Bidar v. Amfac, Inc. (Hawaii Supreme Court 1983, 66 Haw. 547)“…ant based on the special statute of limitation set forth in HRS § 657-8, and the complaint was dismissed. Pen…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 657-5Domestic judgments and decreesIn force
Unless an extension is granted, every judgment and decree of any court of the State shall be presumed to be paid and discharged at the expiration of ten years after the judgment or decree was rendered. No action shall be commenced after the expiration of ten years from the date a judgment or decree was rendered or extended. No extension of a judgment or decree shall be granted unless the extension is sought within ten years of the date the original judgment or decree was rendered. A court shall not extend any judgment or decree beyond twenty years from the date of the original judgment or decree. No extension shall be granted without notice and the filing of a non-hearing motion or a hearing motion to extend the life of the judgment or decree. [CC 1859, §1051; RL 1925, §2643; am L 1927, c 16, §1; RL 1935, §3914; RL 1945, §10425; RL 1955, §241-5; HRS §657-5; am L 1972, c 105, §1(d); am L 1992, c 74, §1; am L 2001, c 145, §1]
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at capitol.hawaii.gov
Cited in 35 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Estate of Roxas v. Marcos (Hawaii Supreme Court 2009, 121 Haw. 59)“…he ICA gravely erred by interpreting “original judgment” of HRS § 657-5 as the “first judgment rendered by a co…”
- Bank of Hawaii v. Shinn (Hawaii Supreme Court 2008, 120 Haw. 1)“…defaulted party, notwithstanding that notice requirement in HRS 657-5, because an extension on judgment reque…”
- International Savings & Loan Ass'n v. Wiig (Hawaii Supreme Court 1996, 82 Haw. 197)“…II. DISCUSSION A. The circuit court erred in ruling that HRS § 657-5 was not applicable because Internationa…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 657-4Two years; libel and slanderIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
All actions for libel or slander shall be commenced within two years after the cause of action accrued, and not after. [CC 1859, §1037; am imp L 1907, c 113, §1; am L 1913, c 19, §1; RL 1925, §2642; RL 1935, §3913; RL 1945, §10424; RL 1955, §241-4; am L 1965, c 139, §2; HRS §657-4]
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at capitol.hawaii.gov
Cited in 13 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2023
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Shibuya v. County of Kauai (Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals 2023, 152 Haw. 163)“…that Shibuya's defamation claim is time barred pursuant to HRS § 657-4 (2016), which governs defamation…”
- Pele Defense Fund v. Paty (Hawaii Supreme Court 1992, 73 Haw. 578)“…cover particular intentional torts. See, e.g., HRS § 657-4 (1985) (governing libel and slander); H…”
- Estate of Roxas v. Marcos (Hawaii Supreme Court 2009, 121 Haw. 59)“…ebt “founded upon any contract, obligation, or liability”); HRS § 657-4 (1993) (relating to libel or slander);…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Hawaii Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 701: 701 Preliminary Provisions
§ 701-108Time limitationsIn force
(1) A prosecution for murder, murder in the first and second degrees, attempted murder, attempted murder in the first and second degrees, criminal conspiracy to commit murder in any degree, criminal solicitation to commit murder in any degree, sexual assault in the first and second degrees, sex trafficking, and continuous sexual assault of a minor under the age of fourteen years may be commenced at any time. (2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, prosecutions for other offenses are subject to the following periods of limitation: (a) A prosecution for manslaughter where the death was not caused by the operation of a motor vehicle must be commenced within ten years after it is committed; (b) A prosecution for a class A felony must be commenced within six years after it is committed; (c) A prosecution for any felony under part IX of chapter 708 must be commenced within five years after it is committed; (d) A prosecution for any other felony must be commenced within three years after it is committed; (e) A prosecution for a misdemeanor or parking violation must be commenced within two years after it is committed; and (f) A prosecution for a petty misdemeanor or a…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at capitol.hawaii.gov
Cited in 31 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Arceo (Hawaii Supreme Court 1996, 84 Haw. 1)“…he parameters of "continuing" offenses are circumscribed by HRS §§ 701-108(4) (1995), 701-109(1)(e) (1993), and 70…”
- State v. Kaakimaka (Hawaii Supreme Court 1997, 84 Haw. 280)“…limitations governing crimi-. nal offenses was set forth in HRS § 701-108 (1985), which provided in pertinent par…”
- State v. Timoteo (Hawaii Supreme Court 1997, 87 Haw. 108)“…o dismiss the indictment based upon an alleged violation of HRS § 701-108 (1985 & Supp.1992), [4] asserting that…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 663: TORT ACTIONS
§ 663-3Death by wrongful actIn forcecited in 4 of our articles
(a) When the death of a person is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of any person, the deceased's legal representative, or any of the persons enumerated in subsection (b), may maintain an action against the person causing the death or against the person responsible for the death. The action shall be maintained on behalf of the persons enumerated in subsection (b), except that the legal representative may recover on behalf of the estate the reasonable expenses of the deceased's last illness and burial.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-06 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at capitol.hawaii.gov
Cited in 56 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Masaki v. General Motors Corp. (Hawaii Supreme Court 1989, 71 Haw. 1)“…oreover, we note that in wrongful death actions pursuant to HRS § 663-3, no arbitrary age limit is placed upon…”
- Bertelmann v. Taas Associates (Hawaii Supreme Court 1987, 69 Haw. 95)“…independent cause of action for wrongful death pursuant to HRS § 663-3 (1985). 4 This point, howe…”
- Hun v. Center Properties (Hawaii Supreme Court 1981, 63 Haw. 273)“…Yamasaki where the two-year limitations period set forth in HRS § 663-3 bars appellants’ claim. This Cou…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Truck Accident Laws in Hawaii (2026): Deadlines & Liability, Hawaii Wrongful Death Laws (2026): Deadlines & Who Can Sue
Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 662: STATE TORT LIABILITY ACT
§ 662-4Statute of limitationsIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
A tort claim against the State shall be forever barred unless action is begun within two years after the claim accrues, except in the case of a medical tort claim when the limitation of action provisions set forth in section 657-7.3 shall apply. [L 1957, c 312, pt of §1; Supp, §245A-4; HRS §662-4; am L 1976, c 219, §16]
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at capitol.hawaii.gov
Cited in 24 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Kahale v. City and County of Honolulu (Hawaii Supreme Court 2004, 104 Haw. 341)“…s actually brought their claim against the City pursuant to HRS § 662-4 (1993), [3] rather than HRS *235 § 6…”
- Orso v. City and County of Honolulu (Hawaii Supreme Court 1975, 56 Haw. 241)“…City and County of Honolulu; *247 b. That HRS § 662-4, the two-year statute of limitations fo…”
- Hays v. City and County of Honolulu (Hawaii Supreme Court 1996, 81 Haw. 391)“…further appears from the record that the city also asserted HRS § 662-4 (1993) as a basis for summary judgment.…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Hawaii Slip and Fall Laws: Proving Premises Liability
Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 46: 46 General Provisions
§ 46-72Liability for injuries or damages; noticeIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
Before the county shall be liable for damages to any person for injuries to person or property received upon any of the streets, avenues, alleys, sidewalks, or other public places of the county, or on account of any negligence of any official or employee of the county, the person injured, or the owner or person entitled to the possession, occupation, or use of the property injured, or someone on the person's behalf, within two years after the injuries accrued shall give the individual identified in the respective county's charter, or if none is specified, the chairperson of the council of the county or the clerk of the county in which the injuries occurred, notice in writing of the injuries and the specific damages resulting, stating fully when, where, and how the injuries or damage occurred, the extent of the injuries or damages, and the amount claimed. [L 1943, c 181, §1; RL 1945, §6013; RL 1955, §138-21; HRS §46-72; am L 1998, c 124, §1; am L 2007, c 152, §8]
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at capitol.hawaii.gov
Cited in 20 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Kahale v. City and County of Honolulu (Hawaii Supreme Court 2004, 104 Haw. 341)“…which the Plaintiffs filed their complaint. We hold that HRS § 46-72 (1993) [4] is the statute of limitatio…”
- Salavea v. City and County of Honolulu (Hawaii Supreme Court 1973, 55 Haw. 216)“…e Charter of the City and County of Honolulu, [1] and with HRS § 46-72. Both provisions [2] provide *53 tha…”
- Silva v. City and County of Honolulu (Hawaii Supreme Court 2007, 115 Haw. 1)“…mitations in wrongful death actions against the County, not HRS § 46-72 (Supp.1998);- 2 (2) in any…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
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Sources and References
- HRS 657-7: Damage to persons or property(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
- HRS 657-1: Six years limitation of actions(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
- HRS 701-108: Time limitations (criminal)(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
- HRS 657-7.3: Medical torts limitation of actions(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
- HRS 663-3: Death by wrongful act(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
- HRS 657-8: Construction defects limitation of action(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
- HRS 662-4: State Tort Liability Act statute of limitations(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
- HRS 46-72: County liability for injuries or damages(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
- HRS 657-5: Domestic judgments and decrees(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
- HRS 657-13: Infancy, insanity, imprisonment tolling provisions(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
- HRS 657-4: Libel and slander limitation(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
- HRS Chapter 657: Limitation of Actions (including 657-1.8 sexual offenses)(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov