SCOPE OF RULES; CONSTRUCTION, APPLICATION, AND INTERPRETATION OF RULES; EFFECT OF ELECTRONIC FILING; AUTOMATION

(a) Scope. These Rules govern the procedures in the family courts of the State in all suits of a civil nature with the exceptions stated in Rule 81 of these Rules. (b) Construction and application. These Rules shall be construed and applied in such manner as will advance the fair, equitable, speedy and inexpensive determination of every action. (c) Interpretation of Rules. These Rules shall be read and construed with reference to each other, the Hawaiʻi Electronic Filing and Service Rules, and the Hawaiʻi Court Records Rules. To the extent that there is any conflict between these Rules, the Hawaiʻi Electronic Filing and Service Rules, and the Hawaiʻi Court Records Rules, the Hawaiʻi Electronic Filing and Service Rules shall prevail. To the extent that there is any conflict between Rule 7.2 of these Rules and Rule 9 of the Hawaiʻi Court Records Rules, Rule 7.2 of these Rules shall prevail. (d) Effect of Hawaiʻi Electronic Filing and Service Rules. Documents filed and notices given in accordance with the Hawaiʻi Electronic Filing and Service Rules shall be deemed to comply with the filing, mailing, certified mailing, notice and service requirements of these Rules, except when personal service is required by these Rules or by court order. (e) Effect of automation on processes and procedures. Duties set out in these Rules may be performed by automation. (f) Definitions. In addition to any definitions stated in these Rules or applicable statutes, see Rule 1 of the Hawaiʻi Electronic Filing and Service Rules for definitions. (Amended March 30, 2022, effective April 25, 2022.)