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HRS §657-1.5

Time limits do not stop the State from suing

This section says that the usual time limits for filing lawsuits do not stop the State or its agencies from starting or continuing a case. The State can only be blocked by a time limit if a law specifically says it applies to the State. Also, no one can use the passage of time as a defense against the State's lawsuit.

courtsstate agencies

The statute, as written — Limitation of actions not applicable to State

No limitation of actions provided for under this or any other chapter shall apply to bar the institution or maintenance of any action by or on behalf of the State and its agencies, unless the State is specifically designated in such a statute as subject to the limitation period contained therein. No defense to any action brought by the State or any of its agencies shall be predicated upon the lapse of time.
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.