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HRS §658H-3

When this mediation law applies

This law covers most mediations in Hawaii, including those required by a court or agency, those where everyone agrees in writing that talks are private, or those with a professional mediator. It does not cover certain labor disputes, judge-run mediations, or school and youth correctional mediations. Parties can agree in writing to give up privacy protections, but only if everyone knows about it.

courtsemployeesemployersstate agencies

The statute, as written — Scope

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) or (c), this chapter applies to a mediation in which: (1) The mediation parties are required to mediate by statute or court or administrative rule or referred to mediation by a court, administrative agency, or arbitrator; (2) The mediation parties and the mediator agree to mediate in a record that demonstrates an expectation that mediation communications will be privileged against disclosure; or (3) The mediation parties use as a mediator an individual who holds himself or herself out as a mediator or the mediation is provided by a person who holds himself or herself out as providing mediation. (b) This chapter shall not apply to a mediation: (1) Relating to the establishment, negotiation, administration, or termination of a collective bargaining relationship; (2) Relating to a dispute that is pending under or is part of the processes established by a collective bargaining agreement, except that this chapter shall apply to a mediation arising out of a dispute that has been filed with an administrative agency or court; (3) Conducted by a judge on a case; or (4) Conducted under the auspices of: (A) A primary or secondary school if all the mediation parties are students; or (B) A correctional institution for youths if all the mediation parties are residents of that institution. (c) If the mediation parties agree in advance in a signed record, or a record of proceeding reflects agreement by the mediation parties, that all or part of a mediation is not privileged, the privileges under sections 658H-4 through 658H-6 shall not apply to the mediation or part agreed upon. However, sections 658H-4 through 658H-6 shall apply to a mediation communication made by a person that has not received actual notice of the agreement before the mediation communication is made.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

Sections this one refers to

§658H-4 Mediation talks are private and cannot be used in court

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