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HRS §578-4

How to give notice to a parent in Hawaii who hasn't agreed to adoption

This section explains how a parent who lives in Hawaii and has not had their parental rights ended must be told about an adoption hearing. The court must have a summons delivered to the parent, along with a copy of the adoption petition. The hearing cannot happen until at least ten days after the parent is served.

courtsparents

The statute, as written — Notice to resident nonconsenting legal parent whose rights have not been terminated

If a legal parent to whom notice must be given as aforesaid is within the State, a summons issuing under the seal of the court and containing a notification as to the time and place of hearing, shall be served by the sheriff or the sheriff's deputy, any police officer, or any person authorized by court rule, upon such parent by the delivery to the parent of a certified copy thereof, and of the petition for adoption; or in case the parent cannot be found, by leaving copies of the summons and petition with some agent or person transacting the business of the parent, or by leaving such copies at the parent's last known place of residence. When service is made pursuant to this section, the time appointed for the hearing of the petition shall be not less than ten days subsequent to the date of service as herein provided.
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.