| Public Record Search Tip... Hawaii State Courts Structure Hawaii's trial level is comprised of Circuit Courts (includes Family Courts) and District Courts. These trial courts function in four judicial circuits: First (Oahu), Second (Maui-Molokai-Lanai), Third (Hawaii County), and Fifth (Kauai-Niihau). The Fourth Circuit was merged with the Third in 1943. Circuit Courts are general jurisdiction and handle all jury trials, felony cases, and civil cases over $25,000, also probate and guardianship. There is con-current jurisdiction with District Courts in civil non-jury cases that specify amounts between $10,000-$25,000.The District Court handles criminal cases punishable by a fine and/or less than one year imprisonment, landlord/tenant, traffic and DUI cases. The Family Court Division rules in all legal matters involving children, such as delinquency, waiver, status offenses, abuse and neglect, termination of parental rights, adoption, guardianships and detention. Also hears traditional domestic-relations cases, including divorce, nonsupport, paternity, uniform child custody jurisdiction cases and miscellaneous custody matters. Taken from BRB's Public Record Research System |