English
EspañolWho is eligible for an injunction against harassment?
Anyone who has been the victim of any of the acts that Hawai‘i defines as harassment can file for an injunction.1 However, you cannot file for an injunction against harassment if the harasser is a family or household member. In that case, you would need to apply for a domestic abuse protective order from the family court.2 Please see our Domestic Abuse Protective Orders page for more information.
Note: The definition of family or household member includes a person you live with or used to live with. However, it does not include adults who lived together:
- as roommates; or
- only for economic reasons or due to a lease.3
Therefore, you may be able to file for an injunction against harassment against a roommate or cohabitant.
1 Haw. Rev. Stat. § 604-10.5(d)
2 See Hawai‘i State Judiciary website
3 Haw. Rev. Stat. § 586-1
Can I get an injunction against harassment if I’m a minor?
Depending on your marital status, you might be able to file for an injunction against harassment if you are a minor.
| If you are under 18 and… | Then… |
|---|---|
| not married | a parent or a legal guardian needs to file on your behalf. If you can’t have a parent or legal guardian file, you can explain why in your petition. |
| married | you can file on your own.1 |
How much does an injunction against harassment cost? Do I need a lawyer?
There is a $15.00 filing fee to start a case for an injunction against harassment and ask for a temporary restraining order (TRO). The fee can be waived in exceptional circumstances.1 If you can’t afford the fee, ask the clerk for more information.
You don’t need a lawyer to file for an injunction against harassment. However, it might help to have one at your hearing to make sure your rights are protected, especially if the respondent has a lawyer.
If you cannot afford a lawyer, you can find information on applying for legal assistance on our Hawai‘i Finding a Lawyer page. If you’re going to be in court without a lawyer, our Preparing for Court – By Yourself section may be useful to you.
