Hawaii Legal Overview: Hilo

The Hilo metropolitan area in the state of Hawaii is defined by the Census Bureau as covering Hawaii County. This means it covers all of the Island of Hawaii, better known as Big Island in order to differentiate it from the state. The state is divided into four judicial districts, one for each of the four major islands. Big Island is served by the Third Circuit, with the Hawaii Circuit Court as the main trial court. Listed below are the major cities and towns in the Hilo metro area.

To locate an attorney and find more legal information in your area, click on any of the following links:

Top Hawaii cities for Legal Issues:

Hilo
Honokaa
Holualoa
Kailua-Kona
Naalehu
Pahoa
Waikoloa
Waimea
Volcano Village

Hawaii/Hilo Laws That are Trending

Current Law Topics People are Talking About in the Hawaii and Hilo Area:

1. As the main trial court with general jurisdiction, the circuit court handles all felony prosecutions and civil cases exceeding $25,000. County ordinance and traffic violations are handled by the Hawaii District Court, which also has limited jurisdiction over small claims not more than $5,000 and civil cases not exceeding $25,000 but not less than $10,000. The circuit and district courts are both located in Hilo. The Hawaii District Court additionally has divisions in Kona and Waimea, and the juvenile court has a division in Waimea.

2. Tyler Madoff, a New York high school student, was swept out to sea by the surf and tide off the west coast of Big Island and is now presumed dead. His family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the tour guides for leading him to a dangerous place.

3. Roger Christie, Big Island’s “Marijuana Minister” who has been held without bail for the last two years in a federal detention center, is trying to convince a federal judge that if given bail, he will not reopen his ministry and jeopardize his criminal defense or chances of a plea deal.

Hawaii/Hilo Courthouses and Courts Links

Other Legal Information for Hilo

Trending Hilo Legal Topics: Appeals against decisions obtained in the trial courts in Hawaii County must be filed with the Intermediate Court of Appeals based in Honolulu. The Hawaii Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the state, may take up some of the appeals for review. A federal case in the state of Hawaii has to be filed with the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii, also located in Honolulu. Federal appeals are heard by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.