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HRS §551G-11

Definitions and factors for choosing a guardian state

This section defines key terms used in guardianship cases, like emergency, home state, and significant-connection state. It also lists what a court must consider when deciding if a person has a strong tie to a state, such as family location, time spent there, property, and other connections.

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The statute, as written — Definitions; significant factors

(a) For purposes of this part: "Emergency" means a circumstance that likely will result in substantial harm to a respondent's health, safety, or welfare, and for which the appointment of a guardian is necessary because no other person has authority and is willing to act on the respondent's behalf. "Home state" means the state in which the respondent was physically present, including any period of temporary absence, for at least six consecutive months immediately before the filing of a petition for a protective order or the appointment of a guardian; or if none, the state in which the respondent was physically present, including any period of temporary absence, for at least six consecutive months ending within the six months prior to the filing of the petition. "Significant-connection state" means a state, other than the home state, with which a respondent has a significant connection other than mere physical presence and in which substantial evidence concerning the respondent is available. (b) In determining under sections 551G-13 and 551G-21(e) whether a respondent has a significant connection with a particular state, the court shall consider: (1) The location of the respondent's family and other persons required to be notified of the guardianship or protective proceeding; (2) The length of time the respondent at any time was physically present in the state and the duration of any absence; (3) The location of the respondent's property; and (4) The extent to which the respondent has ties to the state such as voting registration, state or local tax return filing, vehicle registration, driver's license, social relationship, and receipt of services.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

Sections this one refers to

§551G-13 When Hawaii courts can appoint a guardian or issue a protective order

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.