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HRS §414D-74

How legal papers can be delivered to a corporation

This section explains the ways legal papers can be handed to a corporation in Hawaii. It lists who can accept them and when mailing is allowed. It also says other legal delivery methods are still okay.

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The statute, as written — Service on corporation

(a) Service of any notice or process authorized by law that is issued against any domestic or foreign corporation by any court, judicial or administrative officer, or board, may be made in the manner provided by law upon any registered agent, officer, or director of the corporation who is found within the jurisdiction of the court, officer, or board; or if any registered agent, officer, or director cannot be found, upon the manager or superintendent of the corporation or any person who is found in charge of the property, business, or office of the corporation within the jurisdiction. (b) If no officer, director, manager, superintendent, or other person in charge of the property, business, or office of the corporation can be found within the State, and the corporation has not filed with the department director pursuant to this chapter the name of a registered agent upon whom legal notice and process from the courts of the State may be served, or the person named is not found within the State, service may be made upon the corporation by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the corporation at its principal office. (c) Service by using registered or certified mail is perfected at the earliest of: (1) The date the corporation receives the mail; (2) The date shown on the return receipt, if signed on behalf of the corporation; or (3) Five days after its deposit in the United States mail, as evidenced by the postmark, if mailed postpaid and correctly addressed. (d) Nothing contained herein shall limit or affect the right to serve any process, notice, or demand required or permitted by law to be served upon a corporation in any other manner permitted by law.
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.