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HRS §664-33

How to start a court case about private roads or water rights

This section says that circuit courts handle disputes about private roads and water rights between people, or between people and the state. Anyone involved can file a complaint in the court where the property is located. The court will then summon the landowners or occupants who have an interest in the dispute, and may publish a notice if it chooses.

courtslandownersstate agencies

The statute, as written — Procedure; notice

The circuit courts shall hear and determine all controversies respecting rights of private way and water rights, between private individuals, or between private individuals and the State. Any person interested, or the State, may apply for the settlement of any rights involved hereunder by filing a complaint in the circuit court of the circuit in which the property affected is situated. Thereupon the court shall issue a summons to each land owner or occupant having an interest in the controversy. A notice of the pending action may be published in any case in the discretion of the court.
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.