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Hawaii law

Wrongful Death Laws in Hawaii.

Hawaii’s wrongful-death statute allows the decedent’s surviving spouse, reciprocal beneficiary, children, parents, or other dependent relatives to recover damages for wrongful death. Actions generally must be brought within 2 years of the death.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Statute of Limitations

2 years from date of deathHRS § 663-3

Hawaii wrongful-death actions must generally be filed within 2 years of the date of death.

State law

Key Hawaii Statutes

Hawaii Wrongful Death StatuteHRS § 663-3

Hawaii’s wrongful-death statute governs who may bring the action and the damages available, with distinctive provisions that include reciprocal beneficiaries alongside spouses.

State law

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Hawaii.

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