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HRS §633-34

Who pays court costs in small claims cases

In small claims cases, the judge decides who pays court costs and can include reasonable expenses like bond costs. However, the judge cannot award attorney's fees or commissions under a specific law.

courts

The statute, as written — Award of costs

In any action pursuant to this chapter, the award of costs is in the discretion of the court, which may include therein the reasonable cost of bonds and undertakings, and other reasonable expenses incident to the action, incurred by either party. No attorney's fees or commissions shall be allowed or awarded under section 607-14 by any judgment of the small claims division.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

Sections this one refers to

§607-14 Who pays attorney fees when a written contract says so

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