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HRS §658J-16

How to get a court to confirm an arbitration award

After an arbitrator gives notice of an award, a party can ask the court to confirm it. The court must confirm if both sides agree in writing or if the time to challenge the award has passed. If the award involves a child, the court checks it follows the law and is best for the child. Once confirmed, the award becomes a court judgment.

courts

The statute, as written — Confirmation of award

(a) After an arbitrator gives notice under section 658J-15(a) of an award, including an award corrected under section 658J-17, a party may move the court for an order confirming the award. (b) Except as provided by subsection (c), the court shall confirm an award under this chapter if: (1) The parties agree in a record to confirmation; or (2) The time has expired for making a motion, and no motion is pending, under section 658J-18 or 658J-19. (c) If an award determines a child-related dispute, the court shall confirm the award under subsection (b) if the court finds, after a review of the record if necessary, that the award on its face: (1) Complies with section 658J-15 and the law of this State other than this chapter governing a child-related dispute; and (2) Is in the best interests of the child. (d) Upon confirmation, an award under this chapter is enforceable as a judgment.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

Sections this one refers to

§658J-15 How an arbitrator must write and deliver the decision

§658J-17 How an arbitrator can fix a mistake in an award

§658J-18 When a court can fix an arbitration award

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