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HRS §554D-107

Which state's law governs a trust's terms

This section says a trust's meaning and effect are decided by the law chosen in the trust document, unless that choice goes against strong public policy of the state most connected to the matter. If no choice is made, the law of the state with the closest connection applies.

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The statute, as written — Governing law

The meaning and effect of the terms of a trust are determined by: (1) The law of the jurisdiction designated in the terms unless the designation of that jurisdiction's law is contrary to a strong public policy of the jurisdiction having the most significant relationship to the matter at issue; or (2) In the absence of a controlling designation in the terms of the trust, the law of the jurisdiction having the most significant relationship to the matter at issue.
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.