{"id":372913,"date":"2017-03-03T16:36:17","date_gmt":"2017-03-03T21:36:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/hawaii-law\/hawaii-statutes-of-limitations.html"},"modified":"2025-06-05T08:43:57","modified_gmt":"2025-06-05T13:43:57","slug":"hawaii-statutes-of-limitations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/hawaii-law\/hawaii-statutes-of-limitations.html","title":{"rendered":"Hawaii Statutes of Limitations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n Hawaii Statutes of Limitations\n <\/h1>\n \n Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Welcome to FindLaw’s overview of Hawaii’s statutes of limitations (SOL) laws, which impose a time limit on criminal and civil actions in the Aloha State. Statutes of limitations give a deadline or a limitations period to start civil lawsuits or prosecute a criminal.<\/p>\r\n

If a prosecutor or potential plaintiff files a legal action after the SOL expires, they risk having their case dismissed. Federal, state, and local governments all have statutes of limitations that apply in civil and criminal cases. This FindLaw article explores SOL laws in the State of Hawaii.<\/p>\r\n

Statutes of Limitations Basics<\/h2>\r\n

Statutes of limitations are a fundamental element of our legal system. They help ensure the timely administration of justice. If prosecutors ignore the statute of limitations on a criminal charge, the accused can use the SOL as a defense. The court will likely dismiss the case. Statutes of limitations give the legal system a framework within which to pursue justice promptly.<\/p>\r\n

Each statute of limitation should address the following:<\/p>\r\n