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HRS §1-1

Hawaii's common law

This section says Hawaii uses the common law of England, as understood through English and American court decisions, unless Hawaii's constitution, laws, or court decisions say otherwise. It also says no one can face criminal charges except under written federal or state law.

everyone

The statute, as written — Common law of the State; exceptions

The common law of England, as ascertained by English and American decisions, is declared to be the common law of the State of Hawaii in all cases, except as otherwise expressly provided by the Constitution or laws of the United States, or by the laws of the State, or fixed by Hawaiian judicial precedent, or established by Hawaiian usage; provided that no person shall be subject to criminal proceedings except as provided by the written laws of the United States or of the State.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.