HRS §386-73
Who hears workers' compensation disputes first
The labor director is the first to hear disputes under this law, unless another rule says otherwise. The director's decisions can be enforced in circuit court. You can appeal the director's decision to the appellate board and then to the intermediate appellate court, but an appeal does not automatically pause the decision.
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The statute, as written — Original jurisdiction over controversies
Unless otherwise provided, the director of labor and industrial relations shall have original jurisdiction over all controversies and disputes arising under this chapter. The decisions of the director shall be enforceable by the circuit court as provided in section 386-91. There shall be a right of appeal from the decisions of the director to the appellate board and thence to the intermediate appellate court, subject to chapter 602, as provided in sections 386-87 and 386-88, but in no case shall an appeal operate as a supersedeas or stay unless the appellate board or the appellate court so orders.
Sections this one refers to
§386-87 Appealing a workers' compensation decision
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