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HRS §460J-16

Board hearing powers and enforcing orders

During hearings, the board and its members can act like circuit court judges: they can swear in witnesses, require people to show up and bring documents, and question witnesses. If someone ignores a board order or subpoena, a circuit judge can force them to obey, just like in court.

courtsstate agencies

The statute, as written — Hearings

In all proceedings before it, the board and each member thereof shall have the same powers respecting administering oaths, compelling the attendance of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence, and examining witnesses as are possessed by circuit judges at chambers. In case of disobedience by any person of any order of the board or of any member thereof, or of any subpoena issued by it or a member, or the refusal of any witness to testify to any matter regarding which the witness may be questioned lawfully, any circuit judge, on application by the board or a member thereof, shall compel obedience as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued by a circuit court, or a refusal to testify therein.
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.