If no arrest is made, call the Victim/Witness Assistance Division of the Prosecutor’s Office on your island as soon as possible. This is very important. Unless you do this, no action will be taken.

• O`ahu – (808) 768-7401
• Maui – (808) 270-7695
• Hawai`i – Hilo: (808) 934-3306 Kona: (808) 322-2552
• Kaua`i – (808) 241-1898

Tell the Prosecutor’s Office that you reported a temporary restraining order (TRO) violation to the police. Your personal record of the incident, including date, time, location and how the TRO was violated will be useful as you will be asked some basic questions. Then someone will call you back to explain what happens next.

When the Prosecutor’s Office has decided that they have enough evidence for a contempt of court charge, they will issue a penal summons. Once the penal summons has been issued, the charges cannot be dropped. The violator will not be arrested, but will be summoned to appear in court.

This process may take six months or more. Even though the process is lengthy, it is important to report and pursue each and every violation.

If the case is set for trial, be prepared to take the witness stand.