Rules of the Disciplinary Board of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court – 2026
The Rules of the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Hawaiʻi, governing the Board's own procedure in attorney disciplinary matters: complaints and their investigation, hearings, the Board's recommendation, and review by the Supreme Court.
Browse all 33 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.
I. Title; Purpose; Definitions
II. Board Organization
III. Abstention, Recusal, Disqualification, And Grievances Against Counsel, Board Members, Hearing Officers, or Hearing Committee Members
IV. Investigation; Recommendation by Counsel
Rule 12
Commencement; Scope of Investigation; Complaint Processing Time Goals; Protective Order.
Rule 13
Docketing Standard for Complaints.
Rule 14
Notification to Respondent.
Rule 15
Notice to Respondent of Third Person Subpoenas.
Rule 16
Conclusion of Investigation.
Rule 17
When Counsel’s Recommendation Is Approved.
Rule 18
When Counsel’s Recommendation Is Disapproved.
V. Formal Disciplinary Proceeding
VI. Board Review; Disciplinary Sanctions
Rule 24
Board Disposition of Formal Disciplinary Proceeding.
Rule 25
Private Informal Admonition.
Rule 26
Private Reprimand.
Rule 27
Public Reprimand.
Rule 28
Board’s Role in Cases of Resignation in Lieu of Discipline or Disbarment by Consent.
Rule 29
Board’s Role in Cases of Disbarred and Suspended Attorneys.
Rule 30
Board’s Role in Cases of Reinstatement of Disbarred Attorneys or Attorneys Suspended for More Than One Year.
Rule 31
Proceedings Where an Attorney Is Declared Incompetent or Alleged to Be Incapacitated.
Rule 32
Role in Trustee Proceedings.