HRS §802-2
Judges must tell defendants about their right to a lawyer
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗In any criminal case, if someone who has a legal right to a lawyer shows up without one, the judge must tell them they have that right. The judge must also say that if they cannot afford a lawyer, the court may appoint one paid for by the state.
courts
The statute, as written — Notification of right to representation
A copy, taken August 20, 2026. The version published by the Legislature is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.
In every criminal case or proceeding in which a person entitled by law to representation by counsel appears without counsel, the judge shall advise the person of the person's right to representation by counsel and also that if the person is financially unable to obtain counsel, the court may appoint one at the cost to the State.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.