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HRS §626:1-1004

When you can use a copy instead of the original document

This rule explains when you can use a copy or other secondary evidence instead of the original document in court. It lists exceptions to the general rule that requires the original. The rule does not prefer one type of copy over another.

courts

The statute, as written — ; gen ch 1985] RULE 1004 COMMENTARY This rule is similar to Fed

R. Evid. 1004, except that the words "or a duplicate" are added to the first sentence of this rule. The change is not substantive. The rule specifies the exceptions to Rule 1002, and effects no change in existing law, see Chu Chung v. Jellings, 30 H. 784 (1929) (destroyed); Rex v. Lenehan, 3 H. 714 (1876) (possession of opponent). As the Advisory Committee's Note to Fed. R. Evid. 1004 points out, the "rule recognizes no 'degrees' of secondary evidence." Thus, when this rule is satisfied, there is no preference for one form of secondary evidence over another.
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.