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Jury Service Frequently Asked Questions

Notice to Potential Jurors:

A potential juror is someone who has received a “Summons for Jury Service” in the mail. If you filled out a juror questionnaire last fall but did not get a summons, please do not call.

Jury Pool Office contact information:
First Circuit (Oʻahu): 808-539-4360 or email JuryPool.1CC@courts.hawaii.gov
Second Circuit (Maui County): 808-244-2757 or 1-800-315-5879
Third Circuit (Hawaiʻi Island): 808-961-7646
Fifth Circuit (Kauaʻi County): 808-482-2349

Face coverings are optional in all Judiciary courthouses. In consideration of the health and safety of all those who enter the courthouses, the Judiciary encourages individuals to refer to the Centers for Disease Control’s Updated Respiratory Virus Guidance as well as the state of Hawai’i, Department of Health’s How to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 for guidance and information.

Contact Information

Jury Service Requirements

Deferment, Excusal, Special Accommodations, Name Clarification

Term of Service, Length of Trial

Reporting for Jury Duty

Jury Pay

Grand Jury

 

Where can I find information about jury service?

General information about jury service for the Hawaii state courts can be found on the internet at www.courts.state.hi.us.  Click on “Get Jury Information (eJuror)” on the left side of the screen.  If you cannot access eJuror, you may need to enable cookies in your browser. Use a search engine to research this topic (e.g. enable cookies internet explorer) if you need detailed instructions for your particular browser.

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Who do I contact if I have questions about jury duty?

If you have received a Juror Summons and want to find out if you need to show up at court, call the Jury Information Line  listed on your summons, or check the court’s website at www.courts.state.hi.us after 5 p.m. on the business day before your scheduled date. If your trial is rescheduled, call or check the website for updated instructions after 5 p.m. on the  business day before your new date. If you received a Grand Jury summons, please refer to your summons.

Jury Information Lines:

  • First Circuit – O’ahu:
  • Second Circuit – Maui, Moloka’i, Lāna’i:
  • Third Circuit – Island of Hawai’i:
  • Fifth Circuit – Kaua’i, Niʻihau:
    • Circuit Court: 808-482-2331

If you need special accommodations, contact a clerk at the number below at least ten (10) working days before your court reporting date. 

  • First Circuit – O’ahu: 808-539-4360
    • Jury Pool, First Circuit, 777 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu HI 96813
      Fax 808-539-4370
  • Second Circuit – Maui, Moloka’i, Lāna’i: 808-244-2706
    • Jury Pool Clerk, Circuit Court, Second Circuit, 2145 Main Street, Suite 141A, Wailuku, HI 96793-1679
      Fax 808-244-2767
  • Third Circuit – Island of Hawai’i:

Hilo Division 
777 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720
Phone 808-961-7412

Kona Division
Keahuolū Courthouse
74-5451 Kamakaʻeha Avenue
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii  96740
Phone 808-322-8731
Fax 808-322-8622

  • Fifth Circuit – Kauaʻi, Niʻihau

3970 Kaʻana Street, Līhuʻe, HI 96766
Phone 808-482-2349
Fax 808-482-2693

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Why do I have to serve?

Under the federal and state constitutions, persons charged with serious crimes have the right to a jury trial. Additionally, the constitution provides the right to a jury trial to all parties in certain civil cases.  A jury must be made up of persons who are randomly selected from a cross section of the population.

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How does the court get my name and address?

Each year, the court obtains Voter Registration and Driver’s License lists, and then creates its own list of persons to contact for jury duty.  After it makes the list, the court randomly selects names and mails out questionnaires to those persons.  This questionnaire helps the court find people who are qualified to sit on a jury.

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Who is qualified to serve on a jury?

Any person who:

  1. Is a United States citizen (a person born or naturalized in the U.S.) ;
  2. Is a resident of the State of Hawaiʻi;
  3. Is a resident of the Circuit (A Circuit is similar to the county in which you reside);
  4. Is 18 years or older;
  5. Is able to read, speak, and understand the English language;
  6. Has not been convicted of a felony in the State or Federal Court.

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How do I know if I have to serve on a jury?

You will receive a Juror Summons by mail a few weeks before the date that you must show up at court. Call the Jury Information Line or check the Judiciary’s website after 5 p.m. on the business day before your scheduled date to find out the time you will need to report.  Please refer to your Participant Number, which you can find on the first page of your summons.

FIRST CIRCUIT ONLY:  If you are checking after 5 p.m. on the business day before your scheduled date and a trial time is not provided, you are tentatively scheduled for an afternoon trial.  Check back after 10:30 a.m. on the morning of your scheduled date for final instructions.

If your trial is rescheduled, you will hear the NEW date and location you must show up at court.  Call back or check the website for updated instructions after 5:00 pm on the business day before your NEW date.

If your trial is rescheduled, you will hear the new date and location when you must show up at court.  Call back or check the website for updated instructions after 5 p.m. on the business day before your new date.

Jury Information Line:    Refer to your summons.  
Website:  www.courts.state.hi.us   Click on “Get Jury Information” on the left side of the screen.  Click on “Reporting date and time” on the right side of the screen.

If you sent in a request to be excused and your request was denied, you will hear the date you must show up at court.

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What if I’ll be out of town or can’t make it to court on the day I’m supposed to show up?

You may ask the court to postpone (defer) your jury service by writing or calling the court and providing an explanation of your situation.  The court may or may not defer your jury service if you have a scheduling conflict or for other legitimate reasons, but you are only allowed one deferral each time you are summoned.

SECOND and THIRD circuits only:  Requests to be deferred must be in writing.

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Who can be excused (exempt) from jury service?

You may ask to be exempt from jury service if you:

  • Are an elected official who is being asked to serve during the legislative session.
  • Are a judge.
  • Are a practicing physician or dentist.
  • Are active duty military or armed forces personnel and deployed out-of-state.
  • Are Police, Fire or emergency Medical Services personnel.
  • Live more than 70 miles from the court that issued the Juror Summons.
  • Are 80 years old or older.

If any of these exemptions apply, you may claim the exemption when you receive the Juror Questionnaire.  These exemptions are optional, so if you do not claim it, you may receive a Juror Summons to serve on a jury.

Anyone else who wishes to be excused from jury duty must make a request to the court in writing.  You may ask to be excused from jury duty because of a serious personal hardship.  For example, you may be excused if you have caregiving responsibilities and there is no one who can take your place.  You may also ask to be excused because of a disability or medical condition. If you are asking to be excused due to a disability or medical condition, you must submit a physician’s or physician assistant’s certificate as to the disability.  

Written requests for excusal from jury duty must be mailed to the court listed on the summons and postmarked or hand delivered at least two (2) weeks prior to your appearance date.  Include your name, address, home/business/cell phone numbers, email address, date summoned to appear, courtroom number, time, participant and pool numbers.  Also include the reason(s) you are asking to be excused and supporting documents (i.e.  airline tickets/itinerary; doctor’s note).  The request must be signed by the summoned juror.  You will be notified in writing of the court’s decision.  If you do not receive a response, your request has not been granted and you are expected to appear in court as summoned. 

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Can women who are currently breast-feeding their children be excused from jury service?

Yes, breast-feeding mothers should call their Jury Pool Office for instructions on how to be excused from jury service.  Should breast-feeding mothers wish to serve, an accommodation will be made for expressing milk (click here for contact information).

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May I submit my request to be excused or deferred from jury service via the Jury Information Line or the website?

No, not at this time. We hope to provide this service in the future.

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I’ve been summoned to appear for jury service but I do not fully understand the English language. May I be excused?

If you do not fully understand the English language, you must still appear in person on the date you are summoned and request to be excused by the court. A family member or friend who can speak English may accompany you to provide assistance.

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What should I do if I need special accommodations?

If you need special accommodations, such as sight interpreter, hearing amplification, or special seating, etc, please contact the Jury Staff (click here for contact information)  at least ten (10) working days before your jury service date. Please contact the Jury staff and let them know what type of assistance you will need. If you cannot be reasonably accommodated, you may ask to be excused by providing copies of documents verifying your condition.

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We have multiple parties in our household with the same name. How do we know who the summons is for?

Contact the Jury staff (click here for contact information)

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How does a person get chosen to sit on a jury?

If you receive a Juror Summons, you must show up at court on the date printed in the Summons. You will join other people who have been summoned for jury duty. The court will randomly select names from the people in your group. If your name is called, you will be asked to sit in the jury box. The attorneys in the case, and sometimes the judge, will ask you questions. When you have answered all of the questions, you will either be chosen to sit on the jury or be excused. This process usually takes one day, but may take longer in some cases.

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How long do I have to sit on the jury?

If you are chosen as a juror, you must serve for the entire trial and deliberations. Many trials last about three to four days. Some may be longer, depending on the type of trial. The judge will tell you how long the trial is expected to last.

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Why do I have to wait around so much when I’m on jury duty?

The attorneys and judge try to schedule trials as best as they can, but unexpected matters always come up. There are many instances during a trial where the judge and attorneys must discuss legal matters that the jury is not allowed to hear. You may bring reading material, work or craft items. Leave all scissors, pocket knives, and other such items at home or they will be confiscated.

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If I am chosen as a juror, how much of my time will I be spending at court?

The court is open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and trials are scheduled within this time period. If you are chosen as a juror, you should plan on staying at court the entire day.

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Does the court provide parking for jurors?

Yes, and please secure and lock your car as the Judiciary is not responsible for any damage or theft of your vehicle. If you choose to drive, please allow yourself extra time to find parking.

  • First Circuit – Oʻahu: Parking is limited. You might find it easier to take the bus or have someone drop you off.
    • First Circuit Court (777 Punchbowl St.) – You may park in the South Street Garage at the corner of South and Pohukaina Streets, or in the Makai Garage at the corner of Punchbowl and Halekauwila Streets (open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The court will validate your ticket. Jurors may also park in metered stalls near the courthouse. Do not feed the meters. If you receive a citation for expired metered parking, turn in your citation to the clerk if you are returning the next day or mail it in the envelope your clerk has provided. Check for restrictions such as tow away and no parking zones. The court will not be held responsible for anyone who violates such parking restrictions. More information about parking is provided on the summons and during your orientation.
    • District Court (1111 Alakea St.) – Same as First Circuit Court. Parking is also available in the municipal lots. Get a receipt from the parking lot attendant and submit the receipt to the court for a refund. The average cost of parking in municipal lots is about $20.
    • Kāneʻohe – The parking lot is in the back of the courthouse. Parking is also available on the street, but please observe the posted signs.
  • Second Circuit – Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi:
    • Parking is available in the municipal lot off of Market Street. Street parking in the two-hour zones on Wells and Main Streets is also available. A parking permit will be issued to you and must be prominently displayed on the dashboard of your vehicle. Do not park in the courthouse building metered parking areas, the county parking lot, or any other metered parking areas. Parking in the nearby county areas will result in a ticket, which you are responsible for paying.
  • Third Circuit – Island of Hawaiʻi:
    • You may park in any metered stall in Hilo and in the marked parking stalls in Kona. Refer to the map sent with your summons for directions. Display the “Jury Duty” sign (the last page of your summons) prominently on the dashboard of your vehicle.
  • Fifth Circuit – Kauaʻi, Niʻihau: Circuit Court (3970 Kāʻana Street, Līhuʻe) – You may park in the regular parking stalls, or if none are available, in the reserved stalls.

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Is there a jury orientation?

Yes. For all circuits, jurors will go through orientation that may include a 20-minutes informational video. You also will receive information on how to fill out payment cards, parking, and other matters.

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What are the court rules on what to wear, eating, and children?

The courts do not have strict dress codes but encourage you to dress appropriately: no shorts, slippers, tank tops, or hats. Many courtrooms are cold so you may wish to bring a jacket or sweater. Gum chewing, drinking, eating, and smoking are not permitted in court. No sunglasses should be worn in the courtroom, with the exception of prescription glasses. Do not bring children to court. Child care is not available.

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Who do I call if an emergency develops and I cannot return for jury service?

You should call the court to which you are assigned as soon as possible. Call the Jury staff to obtain the telephone number of the court to which you are assigned. Please refer to your summons or click here for contact information.

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Can I take notes during the trial?

Jurors will be allowed to take notes during trial unless there are exceptional circumstances.

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Does the court provide a jury lounge?

Yes. Restrooms are located nearby.

  • First Circuit – Oʻahu: If you are selected, there is an air-conditioned jury lounge providing complimentary coffee and tea. A microwave oven, refrigerator, water fountain, television, and telephones are also available.
  • Third Circuit – Island of Hawaiʻi: A microwave oven, refrigerator, and water fountain are available.
  • Fifth Circuit – Kauaʻi, Niʻihau: A microwave oven, refrigerator, and water fountain are available.

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Do we get smoke breaks?

Yes. Further information will be provided during your orientation.

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Can I bring my camera, pager, cell phone, PDA, laptop to court?

It is highly recommended that you do not bring electronic equipment to court. Communication devices may be used in the waiting area depending on the circuit, but these must be turned off in the courtroom. Further information will be provided during your orientation.

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Does the court put jurors in seclusion?

Generally, the courts do not isolate jurors. Typically, if a trial continues, you will be excused at the end of the day and told to return the following day.

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Is my privacy protected during and after the trial?

During the trial, news media are not allowed to photograph or film the jurors. The names of jurors are only disclosed to the parties and attorneys in the case. The parties and their friends and family, attorneys, and reporters must not talk to you during the trial. After the trial is done, however, the news media, attorneys and parties may contact you, but you do not have to talk to them. You may talk to the judge at any time that you have a concern about your privacy.

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What happens after the verdict?

Once the clerk reads the verdict in court, the jury may be polled. Jurors are thanked by the judge for their service and may go home.

Some jurors find it helpful to give the judge and attorneys feedback about the trial. Some jurors also ask fellow jurors for their phone numbers in order to discuss aspects of the case with those who shared the same experience. If you do not want to be contacted after the trial, let the judge know.

After long or stressful trials, some jurors may feel disoriented and may need to talk to a professional about feelings the trial may have brought up. The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) publishes a manual Through the Eyes of the Juror: A Manual for Addressing Juror Stress. NCSC can be contacted at 800-877-1233.

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When should I let my employer know I have jury duty?

As a courtesy, we suggest you inform your employer as soon as you receive your summons.

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Is my employer required to pay me while I’m on jury duty?

There is no Hawaiʻi law requiring employers to pay employees while serving jury duty. Some employers do pay normal salaries to employees serving on a jury. You will need to check with your employer. Also, individuals who belong to labor unions may be covered through their union contracts.

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Can I be fired if I don’t show up for work because I have jury duty?

Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes Section 612-25 prohibits employers from firing employees because of jury duty. Pursuant to HRS section 612-25, an employee who has been fired because of jury duty may bring an action against the employer to recover lost wages and to be reinstated.

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Do I get a verification of jury service for my employer?

The jury clerk or law clerk of the trial can provide you with a work excuse form to certify that you served as a juror.

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How much and when do I get paid?

You will receive $30 for each day of jury service, plus round-trip mileage at 33 cents per mile from your home to the courts. If you ask to be excused from jury duty and the judge grants your request, you may be entitled to only mileage reimbursement. Checks are mailed to your home approximately four to five weeks after a jury pay period ends. The payroll cycle closes on the 15th and last day of each month.

  • Second Circuit – Maui, Moloka’i, Lāna’i:
    • Maui jurors will not be reimbursed for taxi fare.
    • Moloka’i , Lāna’i jurors: Call the Jury Information Line or check the website to confirm that you are to appear. Book non-restricted round trip plane or boat reservations after confirming that you are to appear. Your return reservation must be for the same day, in the late afternoon. If you appear when not required, you will not be reimbursed for any travel expenses. Bring air, boat, and ground transportation receipts for reimbursement. You will not be reimbursed for car rentals. If you are selected, be prepared to remain for 5 days. The Court shall arrange for your hotel stay.

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Will the court pay for my meals?

The court will provide you with lunch only when you are in deliberation. Jurors who are not in deliberation are usually on recess for lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. If you bring home lunch, the jury room at your court location is available for your use.

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Is my jury pay taxable?

If you receive the jury fee as extra income, you must declare the fee when filing your state and federal income tax returns. The courts will provide you with a 1099 Miscellaneous Income form if you receive more than $600 in jury fees. If you have further questions about your payment, please call the Jury staff. Please refer to your summons or click here for contact information.

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What if I’m called as a grand juror?

A grand jury is a jury that hears evidence in criminal matters and decides whether the defendant should be indicted or charged with committing a crime. If you receive a grand jury summons, please call the court that is listed in the summons.

  • First Circuit – Oʻahu: 808-539-4208
  • Second Circuit – Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi: 808-244-2706
  • Third Circuit – Island of Hawaiʻi: You must call 808-961-7412 to confirm receipt of the summons for grand jury. Leave your name and last four digits of your pool number.
  • Fifth Circuit – Kauaʻi, Niʻihau: Circuit Court Bailiff – 808-482-2423, Jury Clerk – 808-482-2349

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