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HRS §560:1-311

Sealed documents in court cases about a person who has died

In certain court cases about someone who has died, specific personal documents are automatically sealed when filed. They stay sealed unless a judge orders otherwise, but the clerk can share some reports or evaluations as allowed by law.

everyone

The statute, as written — Documents sealed upon filing

In any action or proceeding under this chapter in the circuit court having jurisdiction in matters relating to the affairs of decedents, the following documents shall be sealed upon filing: (1) Birth certificate; (2) Marriage certificate; (3) Death certificate; (4) Tax return; (5) Kokua kanawai's report; (6) Court-ordered professional evaluation; and (7) Responses and objections to a kokua kanawai's report or a professional evaluation. The foregoing documents shall remain sealed unless otherwise ordered by the court; provided that the clerk, without further court order, may unseal and provide a copy of a report or evaluation pursuant to section 560:5‑307 or 560:5‑407.
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.