In Kauai County, small claims cases up to $5,000 are heard by the District Court of the Fifth Circuit (Puuhonua Kaulike). Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Address: 3970 Kaana Street, Lihue, HI 96766 · Map
Phone: 808-482-2303
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Usually the district court division where the defendant lives. If they live on another island, you can file where the claim arose or where the defendant can be found. Deposit cases can be filed where the rental is if the landlord lives out of state.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all Hawaii counties.
Hawaii doesn't require a demand before filing, but asking in writing first is good evidence and may settle the matter. Make a free demand letter.
Statement of Claim (General Form); use 1DC05 for security deposits Get the form.
$35 to file. A counterclaim costs $10. Service by certified mail costs postage; a process server charges a fee plus mileage. Fee waiver: Ask the judge to waive the filing fee for financial hardship; the clerk has the form..
Use certified or registered mail (restricted delivery, return receipt), a civil process server, or an adult who isn't part of the case. You can deliver the papers yourself only if the defendant signs an acknowledgment or an unrelated witness comes with you.
The trial date is set 5 to 30 days after you file. Contested cases are often sent to mediation first, and to trial the same day if it fails. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full Hawaii filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideSmall claims in Kauai County are filed with the District Court of the Fifth Circuit (Puuhonua Kaulike), 3970 Kaana Street, Lihue, HI 96766. Phone: 808-482-2303.
Up to $5,000. You can sue for up to $5,000, not counting interest and costs. Residential security deposit cases have no dollar limit. A defendant's counterclaim can be up to $40,000.
$35 to file. A counterclaim costs $10. Service by certified mail costs postage; a process server charges a fee plus mileage.