Hawaii UPL Statute Summary

HRS §605-14. Unauthorized practice of law prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, association, or corporation to engage in or attempt to engage in or to offer to engage in the practice of law, or to do or attempt to do or offer to do any act constituting the practice of law, except and to the extent that the person, firm, or association is licensed or authorized so to do by an appropriate court, agency, or office or by a statute of the State or of the United States. Nothing in sections 605-14 to 605-17 contained shall be construed to prohibit the preparation or use by any party to a transaction of any legal or business form or document used in the transaction.

Enforcement Mechanisms/Complaint Processes for UPL

Victims may contact the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. You may download the complaint form here.

Office of Consumer Protection
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Leipapa A Kamehameha Building
235 South Beretania Street, Room 801
Honolulu, HI 96813-2419
Tel: (808) 586-2630
Fax: (808) 586-2640

Liability may be found under HRS §480-2 (Unfair competition, practices, declared unlawful), accessible here.

Reporting Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

Ineffective assistance of counsel can be reported to numerous government agencies from this page.

Contact Information for Relevant Agencies

Office of Consumer Protection:

Office of Consumer Protection
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
235 South Beretania Street, Room 801
Honolulu, HI 96813-2419
Tel: (808) 586-2630
Fax: (808) 586-2640

Notary Public Information:

Department of the Attorney General
Notary Public Office
425 Queen St
Honolulu, HI 96813
Tel: (808) 586-1216
Tel: (808) 586-1218

Becoming a Notary Public

  • At least 18 years of age
  • A Hawaii Resident
  • A United States citizen or a national or permanent resident alien of the U.S. who diligently seeks citizenship upon becoming eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship
  • Must submit an application to the Attorney General.
  • Once the application is approves, the applicant must pass a written closed-book examination. The passing score is 80 percent.
  • The application fee for commission of notary public commission is $20.00.
  • Must obtain a surety bond

The Notaries Public Division has a search tool of recently issued commissions or to locate any current Hawaii notary, which can be accessed here.