Kokua Line

By June Watanabe

Tuesday, June 3, 1997


Small claims fall under
District Court umbrella

I tried to find the phone number for the small claims court in the telephone directory. Under "courts" was listed everything from Family Court to Supreme Court, including individual judges, but nowhere was there a number for small claims court. I'm trying to resolve a conflict with an auto repair shop. What are the limits for small claims and where do I go to file the claim?

You have to look under the heading for District Courts and under that, the Civil Division. That's where they handle regular claims, small claims and temporary restraining orders.

Call 538-5151 and you'll hear a recording giving general information. After the taped spiel, you can talk to a clerk if you have more questions.

Generally, small claims court will hear claims to recover a maximum of $3,500, or residential security deposits, regardless of the amount. Attorneys are not needed. There is a $10 nonrefundable fee for filing a claim. The Civil Division is located at 1111 Alakea St.

You can also call the Law Line, 528-5297, and hear detailed prerecorded messages on a number of legal topics. Information on small claims is Tape No. 104.

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