HRS §583A-202
When a Hawaii court keeps authority over a child custody case
Once a Hawaii court makes a child custody decision, it usually keeps the power to change it. This power lasts until the child and key people no longer have strong ties to Hawaii, or they all move away. If the court loses this power, it can only change the decision if it could make a new one.
childrencourtsparents
The statute, as written — Exclusive, continuing jurisdiction
(a) Except as otherwise provided in section 583A-204, a court of this State which has made a child-custody determination consistent with section 583A-201 or 583A-203 has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction over the determination until: (1) A court of this State determines that the child, the child's parents, and any person acting as a parent do not have a significant connection with this State and that substantial evidence is no longer available in this State concerning the child's care, protection, training, and personal relationships; or (2) A court of this State or a court of another state determines that the child, the child's parents, and any person acting as a parent do not presently reside in this State. (b) A court of this State which has made a child-custody determination and does not have exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under this section may modify that determination only if it has jurisdiction to make an initial determination under section 583A-201.
Sections this one refers to
§583A-201 When Hawaii can decide child custody first
§583A-204 Emergency child custody orders when a child is in danger
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