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HRS §658J-2

Definitions for family law arbitration

This section defines key terms used in the law about family law arbitration. It explains what arbitration agreements, arbitrators, family law disputes, and related words mean. This helps everyone understand the rules that follow.

courtsguardiansparentsspouses

The statute, as written — Definitions

As used in this chapter: "Arbitration agreement" means an agreement that subjects a family law dispute to arbitration. "Arbitration organization" means an association, agency, board, commission, or other entity that is neutral and initiates, sponsors, or administers an arbitration or is involved in the selection of an arbitrator. "Arbitrator" means an individual selected, alone or with others, to make an award in a family law dispute that is subject to an arbitration agreement. "Child-related dispute" means a family law dispute regarding child custody, visitation, or financial support regarding a child, under section 571-46, section 576D-7, or chapter 583A. "Court" means the family court of this State. "Family law dispute" means a contested issue arising under the family and domestic relations laws of this State. "Party" means an individual who signs an arbitration agreement and whose rights will be determined by an award. "Person" means an individual; estate; business or nonprofit entity; public corporation; government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality; or any other legal entity. "Record", used as a noun, means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form. "Sign" means, with present intent to authenticate or adopt a record: (1) To execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or (2) To attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic symbol, sound, or process. "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

Sections this one refers to

§571-46 How courts decide child custody and visitation

§576D-7 Child support guidelines

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