1. Victim and Witness Rights
- Hawaii Department of the Attorney General – Victim/Witness Assistance
Offers advocacy, court support, compensation information, and guidance for navigating the justice system. - Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (HSCADV)
Provides education, advocacy, and links to local resources for survivors across all islands.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- Legal Aid Society of Hawaii
Offers free legal services for protection orders, harassment, and abuse-related matters statewide. - LawHelp Hawaii
Online portal for legal forms, how-to guides, and referrals to local legal providers.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 711-1106.5
What it means: Repeated conduct that causes emotional distress or fear, including following, monitoring, or threats. Includes both physical and digital behavior. - Harassment: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 711-1106
What it means: Engaging in threatening, insulting, or alarming conduct—including via phone, texts, or messages—that serves no legitimate purpose. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Addressed under school rules and Haw. Rev. Stat. § 302A-1001.
What it means: Requires public schools to implement anti-bullying policies and student safety protocols. Includes verbal, physical, and cyberbullying. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Governed by Hawaii case law and common law principles.
What it means: Victims can pursue civil claims for libel (written) or slander (spoken). No criminal penalties exist for defamation in Hawaii.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Call 911 for emergencies or safety threats.
- Non-emergency reports may be filed with the local police department or Family Court.
- Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Coordinates shelter access, legal support, and counseling services statewide. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-530-6790
24/7 confidential assistance across all Hawaiian islands.
5. Support Organizations
- Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
A network of local agencies supporting survivors of domestic violence, harassment, and stalking. - Parents And Children Together (PACT)
Offers family support, youth programs, and domestic violence services across Hawaii.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
Victims in Hawaii may petition for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) or an Order for Protection through the Family Court. These orders prohibit contact and may include digital communication restrictions. Assistance is available through legal aid or victim advocate programs.
Important Note on Jurisdiction: If the individual you are seeking a restraining order against lives in a different state, your local court may not have jurisdiction to enforce that order. In most cases, you must file for protection in the state where that individual resides or where the conduct occurred. This applies even in situations involving online harassment, defamation, or stalking. Contact legal aid services in both your state and the other person’s state for guidance.
7. Youth and School Resources
- Hawaii Department of Education – Anti-Bullying Resources
Provides policies, student rights, and complaint procedures to address bullying and school harassment.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- Hawaii State Judiciary – Protective Orders
Offers court forms, filing instructions, and self-help resources for seeking protection.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Offers digital safety advice and tools for survivors of cyberstalking, defamation, or online abuse.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
