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HRS §101-29

How the state or county can take property early

This section lets the State or a county get possession of property before the case is over, if they pay the estimated amount into court. The court can issue an order without a hearing, but it takes effect after 10 days. The order must be delivered to the people in possession.

countieslandownersstate agencies

The statute, as written — Possession pending action; alternative procedure

Where the plaintiff is the State or any county, the following alternative procedure may be followed. At any time after the commencement of an action pursuant to this part, the State or any county may file a motion for an order of possession invoking this section and supported by an affidavit alleging, or by oral evidence prima facie showing: (1) The right of the State or county to maintain the action; (2) The public use for which the real property sought to be condemned is being taken; and (3) The sum of money estimated by the State or county to be just compensation or damages for the taking of the real property. Upon such motion and upon payment of such estimated sum of money to the clerk of the court for the use of the persons entitled thereto, the court shall issue an order ex parte putting the State or county in possession of the real property sought to be condemned and permitting the State or county to do such work thereon as may be required for the purpose for which the taking of the property is sought. The order placing the State or county in possession shall become effective upon the expiration of ten days after service thereof; provided that for good cause shown within the ten days, the court may vacate or modify the order or postpone the effective date thereof for an additional period of time. Service of the order shall be made personally on those defendants who are in actual possession, and in other cases may be made by depositing a copy thereof in a United States post office, postage prepaid, registered mail addressed to the defendants at their last known addresses, or to their attorneys of record.
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.