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HRS §660-18

What must be written in a habeas corpus return

This section says what a person who files a return in a habeas corpus case must write. The return must clearly state whether the person is held, why, and any transfer of custody. If the person was once held, the return must say everything known or suspected.

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The statute, as written — Contents

The person making the return shall state therein, in writing, plainly and unequivocally: (1) Whether he has or has not the person designated in his custody or power, or in any manner under his restraint or control; (2) If he has the person in his custody or power, or under his restraint or control, the authority, and the time, and whole cause of such imprisonment or restraint, with a copy of any process or warrant under which the person is detained; (3) If he has had the person in his custody or power, or under his restraint or control, and has transferred such custody, restraint, or control to another, or if he has any knowledge or suspicion that any other person exercises or claims to exercise such custody, power, restraint, or control, all that he knows or suspects. No return shall be adjudged sufficient when the respondent has once held the person in his custody or power, or under his restraint or control, unless it states fully all that the respondent knows or suspects, or alleges unequivocally that he neither knows nor suspects, nor has any cause to suspect anything as to the custody or restraint of the person alleged to be detained, up to the time of making the return.
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.