HRS §338-10
What happens if the cause of death is not known in time
If the cause of death cannot be determined within three days, the death certificate can be filed late. The doctor or nurse must tell the local health department in writing why it is late, so a burial or cremation permit can be issued.
The statute, as written — Late determination of the cause of death
If the cause of death cannot be determined within three days, the certification of its cause may be filed after the prescribed period, but the attending physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or coroner's physician shall notify in writing the local agent of the department of health of the district in which the death occurred of the reason for late filing, in order that a permit for the disposition of the body may be issued. As used in this section, "late" means more than three days after the date of death.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.