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HRS §346-232

Court hearing after an emergency protection order

After a judge issues an emergency protection order for a vulnerable adult, a hearing must happen within 72 hours (not counting weekends) to decide if the order should continue. The department must help the vulnerable adult attend or explain why they cannot. The court can keep or change the order if the adult agrees or lacks decision-making ability.

courtsstate agenciesvulnerable adults

The statute, as written — Order to show cause hearing

(a) When a written order for immediate protection is issued, the court shall hold a hearing on the application for immediate protection, no later than seventy-two hours after issuance of the written order, excluding any Saturday or Sunday, requiring cause to be shown why the order or orders should not continue. The department shall make arrangements to have the vulnerable adult attend the hearing or show cause why the vulnerable adult cannot attend. (b) When the court finds that there is probable cause to believe that a vulnerable adult has incurred abuse or is in danger of abuse if immediate action is not taken, and the vulnerable adult consents, or if the vulnerable adult does not consent and the court finds that there is probable cause to believe that the vulnerable adult lacks the capacity to make decisions concerning the vulnerable adult's person, the court may continue or modify any order pending an adjudicatory hearing on the petition. These orders may include orders for the vulnerable adult's temporary placement and ordinary medical care. (c) The parties personally or through counsel may stipulate to the entry or continuance of such orders as the court deems to be in the best interest of the vulnerable adult, and the court shall set the case for an adjudicatory hearing as soon as it is practical.
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.