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HRS §803-44.6

Getting a court order for a pen register or trap and trace device

This section explains how a judge decides whether to allow police to use a pen register or trap and trace device. The judge must find probable cause that the information will help a criminal investigation. The order must list specific details, last up to 60 days, and be kept secret.

courts

The statute, as written — Issuance of an order for a pen register or a trap and trace device

(a) Upon an application for an order authorizing the installation and use of a pen register or a trap and trace device, the designated judge shall satisfy itself that there are sufficient facts and circumstances contained within the application that there is probable cause to believe that the information to be obtained through the installation and use of a pen register or a trap and trace device will constitute the fruits, instrumentalities, or evidence of a crime or is relevant to an ongoing criminal investigation. (b) If the designated judge is so satisfied, the order issued shall specify: (1) The identity, if known, of the person to whom is leased or in whose name is listed the telephone line, cellular telephone, or electronic device or service to which the pen register or trap and trace device is to be attached; (2) The identity, if known, of the person who is the subject of the criminal investigation; (3) The number and, if known, the physical location of the telephone line, cellular telephone, or electronic device or service to which the pen register or the trap and trace device is to be attached, and, in the case of a trap and trace device, the geographical limits of the trap and trace order; (4) A statement of the offense to which the information likely to be obtained by the pen register or trap and trace device relates; and (5) Upon the request of the applicant, the information, facilities, and technical assistance necessary to accomplish the installation of the pen register or trap and trace device that the provider of wire communication service is directed to furnish to the applicant. (c) An order authorizing installation and use of a pen register or a trap and trace device shall be for a period not to exceed sixty days. Extension of an order may be granted, but only upon a reapplication for an order and a finding of probable cause to justify continuing use of a pen register or trap and trace device. The period of the extension shall be for a period not to exceed sixty days. (d) An order authorizing the installation and use of a pen register or a trap and trace device shall direct that: (1) The order be sealed until otherwise ordered by the court; and (2) The person owning or leasing the telephone line, cellular telephone, or electronic device or service to which the pen register or trap and trace device is attached, or who has been ordered by the court to provide assistance to the applicant, not disclose the existence of the pen register or trap and trace device or the existence of the investigation to the listed subscriber or to any other person, unless otherwise ordered by 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.