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HRS §583A-210

Appearing in court for child custody cases

In a child custody case, the court can order people in Hawaii to appear in person, sometimes with the child. If someone is out of state, the court can order them to appear and warn that not showing up may hurt their case. The court can also make another party pay travel costs.

everyone

The statute, as written — Appearance of parties and child

(a) In a child-custody proceeding in this State, the court may order a party to the proceeding who is in this State to appear before the court in person with or without the child. The court may order any person who is in this State and who has physical custody or control of the child to appear in person with the child. (b) If a party to a child-custody proceeding whose presence is desired by the court is outside this State, the court may order that a notice given pursuant to section 583A-108 include a statement directing the party to appear in person with or without the child and informing the party that failure to appear may result in a decision adverse to the party. (c) The court may enter any orders necessary to ensure the safety of the child and of any person ordered to appear under this section. (d) If a party to a child-custody proceeding who is outside this State is directed to appear under subsection (b) or desires to appear personally before the court with or without the child, the court may require another party to pay reasonable and necessary travel and other expenses of the party so appearing and of the child.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

Sections this one refers to

§583A-108 How to give notice to people outside Hawaii

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