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HRS §802-6

When a court can end free legal help

This section says a court can stop a free lawyer if the defendant can now pay for one, unless the defendant agrees to pay. If the lawyer keeps working, the court decides how much the defendant must pay. The lawyer must tell the court if the defendant can pay.

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The statute, as written — Subsequent ability to pay counsel

If at any time after counsel is appointed, the court having jurisdiction in the matter is satisfied that the defendant is financially able to obtain counsel or to make partial payment for the representation, the court may terminate the appointment of counsel, unless the person so represented is willing to pay therefor. If appointed counsel continues the representation, the court shall direct payment for such representation as the interests of justice may dictate. Any payments directed by the court shall be general fund realizations. If at any time after the counsel's appointment counsel should have reason to believe that a defendant is financially able to obtain counsel or to make partial payment for counsel, it shall be the counsel's duty to so advise the court so that appropriate action may be taken.
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.