Rule 81.1 Mandamus

Circuit courts in Hawaiʻi no longer use the old legal tool called a "writ of mandamus," except in cases where someone wants a higher court to order a lower court to take action. In the past, mandamus was used to force a government official or agency to do something they were legally required to do. Now, if you need that same kind of relief, you ask for it through a regular lawsuit or a motion, following the normal court procedures.

If your case involves this type of request, the court has the power to speed things up. It can shorten the usual deadlines for filing paperwork or taking other required steps, so your request can be handled faster than a typical case.