Hawaii Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Garrett Monteagudo, Esq. | Last reviewed January 17, 2023
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. 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.
When you are attempting to bring a lawsuit against another party, you must abide by filing deadlines, also known as the statute of limitations. These deadlines are put into place to create a reasonable time frame for filing lawsuits. The Hawaii statute of limitations all depends on the type of civil claim you are attempting to file.
For example, if you've been injured in a car accident, you'll have two years from the date of the incident to file your case. However, if you are attempting to collect back rent from a wayward ex-tenant, you have up to six years. While these time frames are subject to change, it is always important to know the laws before filing your case.
This article provides a brief overview of Hawaii's civil statute of limitations laws.
Hawaii Civil Statute of Limitations Laws: At a Glance
The main provisions of Hawaii's civil statute of limitations are listed in the table below.
Injury to Person |
Two years (H.R.S. § 657-7) |
|---|---|
Libel/Slander |
Two years (H.R.S. § 657-4) |
Fraud |
Two years (H.R.S. § 657-7) |
Injury to Personal Property |
Two years (H.R.S. § 657-7) |
Professional Malpractice |
Two years from reasonable discovery to max. of six years (H.R.S. § 657-7.3) |
Trespass |
Two years (H.R.S. § 657-7) |
Collection of Rents |
Six years (H.R.S. § 657-1) |
Contracts |
|
Collection of Debt on Account |
Six years (H.R.S. § 657-1) |
Judgments |
|
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Related Resources for Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
- Lawsuits: A Practical Guide
- Browse Legal Information by Topic
- Official State Codes -- Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and D.C.
Get Help With Your Case From a Hawaii Attorney
Hawaii's civil statute of limitations varies depending on the circumstances of the case. If you're dealing with a personal injury matter, it's in your best interests to contact an experienced Hawaii injury attorney who will be able to discuss the facts and legal aspects of your case with you and advise you about any applicable filing deadlines.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.
Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life
Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.