Eviction & Summary Possession for Landlords in Hawaiʻi

Eviction and summary possession actions in Hawaiʻi are governed by strict statutory procedures and unforgiving timelines. Landlords seeking to recover possession must comply with Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes Chapters 521 and 666, as well as District Court rules that are applied rigorously.

Errors at the notice stage—or early in the filing process—can delay possession, require dismissal, or force the landlord to restart the process entirely. For that reason, eviction matters require careful legal analysis before any notice is served or case filed.

Jonathan Kam is a Honolulu eviction attorney who represents landlords and property owners in eviction and possession-related matters. His practice focuses on lawful recovery of possession when tenants fail to comply with lease obligations or refuse to vacate after termination.

Legal Grounds for Eviction and Summary Possession

Summary possession actions may arise under several circumstances, including:

• Nonpayment of rent
• Material lease violations
• Refusal to vacate following lawful termination
• Holdover tenancies after lease expiration
• Repeated or continuing noncompliance
• Immediate termination and notices to vacate involving damage to property or threats of violence

Each basis for eviction carries its own notice requirements, cure periods, and procedural constraints. Applying the wrong notice—or filing too early—commonly results in dismissal.

Determining whether eviction is legally available, and which statutory pathway applies, must be done before action is taken.

Eviction Representation Focused on Procedure and Compliance

As an eviction attorney for landlords in Honolulu, Mr. Kam assists clients through each stage of the eviction and summary possession process, including:

• Evaluating whether eviction or possession is legally available
• Identifying applicable statutory notice and cure requirements
• Drafting compliant eviction notices and demand letters
• Preparing and filing summary possession actions in District Court
• Responding to tenant defenses, including procedural and retaliation claims
• Advancing matters toward lawful possession with minimal delay

The objective is not simply to initiate proceedings, but to ensure the case is procedurally sound from the outset.

Compliance, Defenses, and Risk Management

Eviction litigation in Hawaiʻi moves quickly, but courts strictly enforce technical requirements. Tenants frequently raise defenses based on notice defects, service issues, retaliation claims, or timing errors—even when lease violations or nonpayment are undisputed.

For that reason, eviction matters are handled using a compliance-first approach. Notices are reviewed before service. Filing decisions are guided by statutory timing and available evidence. The focus is on reducing exposure, avoiding delay, and reaching resolution efficiently.

Clients This Practice Represents

This practice represents landlords and owners, including:

• Residential landlords
• Property owners
• Property managers
• Real estate investors

Tenant-side eviction matters are not accepted. The practice remains intentionally landlord-focused to ensure guidance is grounded in Hawaiʻi landlord-tenant law and local court procedure.

Hawaiʻi-Specific Eviction Counsel

Hawaiʻi eviction law differs significantly from mainland jurisdictions. Local statutes, court practices, and judicial expectations directly affect how eviction cases proceed.

Experience with Honolulu District Court and Hawaiʻi eviction procedures matters. For landlords searching for an eviction attorney, eviction lawyer, or landlord attorney in Honolulu or Hawaiʻi, procedural accuracy and local knowledge play a critical role in outcome and timing.