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HRS §91-13

Officials must not get outside advice in contested cases

When an agency official decides a contested case, they cannot privately ask anyone about the facts of the case. If they need to consult someone, they must first tell all parties and give them a chance to join in. This rule does not apply to certain one-sided matters allowed by law.

courtsstate agencies

The statute, as written — Consultation by officials of agency

No official of an agency who renders a decision in a contested case shall consult any person on any issue of fact except upon notice and opportunity for all parties to participate, save to the extent required for the disposition of ex parte matters authorized by law.
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.