Dispute Resolution Procedures

WHY DOES THE COURT OFFER ADR?

A Message from the Chief Justice

The mission of the Judiciary, as an independent branch of government, is to administer justice in an impartial, efficient and accessible manner in accordance with the law. We are committed to helping parties resolve their disputes as fairly, quickly, and efficiently as possible.

Cases filed in our courts present a wide range of issues and circumstances, and no single process can be expected to meet the needs of all cases. However, many cases can be successfully resolved through alternative dispute resolution (ADR). The Judiciary offers a range of ADR options. Parties have the opportunity to use the procedure that best fits the particular circumstances of their case.

As discussed in the following pages, ADR processes can offer numerous advantages over both formal litigation and direct negotiations between parties. ADR procedures may lead to resolutions that are:

• faster
• less expensive
• more creative
• better tailored to all parties’ underlying interests

We urge you to consider using an ADR process in your case. The Judiciary’s Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution is available to help answer your questions about ADR and how ADR may meet your needs.

We are confident that parties who use our ADR programs can obtain satisfying results while saving significant time and money. We are therefore committed to providing opportunities for ADR, and to ensuring that ADR is conducted in a manner that is fair, transparent, and accessible.

Mark E. Recktenwald
Chief Justice
Hawaii State Judiciary

Go to: What is ADR?