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HRS §435E-45

What happens if someone refuses to follow a subpoena

If someone ignores a subpoena from the commissioner, the commissioner can ask a court to order that person to appear and provide evidence. If the person still refuses to obey the court's order, the court can punish them for contempt.

everyone

The statute, as written — Refusal to comply

In case of contumacy by, or refusal to obey a subpoena issued to, any person, the circuit court, upon application by the commissioner, may issue to the person an order requiring the person to appear before the commissioner or the officer designated by the commissioner, there to produce documentary evidence, if so ordered, or to give evidence touching the matter under investigation or in question. Failure to obey the order of the court shall be punished by the court as a contempt.
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.