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Legal Information: Hawaii

Restraining Orders

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Laws current as of September 19, 2025

If I don't register my out-of-state protection order, will it be more difficult to have it enforced?

According to federal and state laws, you do not need to register your protection order to get it enforced in Hawai‘i.1 However, if your order is not entered into the state registry, it may be harder for a Hawai‘ian law enforcement official to confirm your order is authentic. So, it could take longer to get your order enforced.

If you’re not sure whether or not registering your order in Hawai‘i is right for you, you may want to talk with a local domestic violence advocate. S/he can help you decide what is safest in your situation. You can find domestic violence organizations in Hawai‘i on our Hawai‘i Advocates and Shelters page.

1 Haw. Rev. Stat. § 586-23

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