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HIRule 1.4

Client Communication Rules for Hawaii Law Firms

Hawaii attorneys must keep clients reasonably informed about case status, promptly respond to information requests, and explain matters as necessary for informed decisions.

Rule 1.4 Key Requirements

  • 1Promptly inform clients of matters requiring informed consent
  • 2Reasonably consult about means to accomplish objectives
  • 3Keep clients reasonably informed about case status
  • 4Promptly comply with reasonable information requests
  • 5Explain matters to extent necessary for decisions
View official rule text

Additional Hawaii Requirements

Language Access

Hawaii has significant populations speaking Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino languages, and other Pacific Island languages. Attorneys should consider language accessibility.

Key languages: Hawaiian, Japanese, Ilocano, Tagalog, and Korean

Statute of Limitations

Attorneys must notify clients of applicable statutes of limitations. Hawaii generally has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.

Hawaii-Specific Considerations

  • Island geography requires strong remote communication capabilities
  • Diverse population with multiple language needs
  • Tourism industry generates significant personal injury matters
  • Time zone differences with mainland require flexible communication

How Quilia Helps Hawaii Firms Stay Compliant

  • Automated updates work across time zones for mainland clients
  • Multilingual support serves Hawaii's diverse population
  • Mobile access reaches clients throughout the islands
  • Secure platform maintains confidentiality requirements
  • Treatment tracking manages tourism-related injury cases

Hawaii Legal Resources

Hawaii State Bar Association

Official WebsiteDiscipline & Ethics

Hawaii Association for Justice(HAJ)

Trial lawyers association providing practice resources and advocacy.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions: Hawaii Attorney Communication

What are Hawaii's attorney communication requirements?

Hawaii Rule 1.4 requires keeping clients reasonably informed, responding promptly to inquiries, and explaining matters sufficiently for informed decisions.

How do Hawaii attorneys handle time zone challenges?

Many Hawaii attorneys use client portals and automated systems to ensure mainland clients receive timely updates despite time differences.

Does Hawaii have language access requirements?

While not mandated, attorneys should consider Hawaii's diverse population and provide language access when serving non-English speaking clients.

What are penalties for communication failures in Hawaii?

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel can impose sanctions from reprimand to disbarment for Rule 1.4 violations.

How does Quilia help Hawaii attorneys?

Quilia's automated updates work across time zones, multilingual support serves diverse clients, and mobile access reaches clients throughout the islands.

Are electronic communications accepted in Hawaii?

Yes, electronic communications are fully accepted with appropriate confidentiality protections.

What communication issues lead to Hawaii bar complaints?

Common complaints include failure to return calls, inadequate updates for mainland clients, and not explaining case status clearly.

How should Hawaii PI attorneys handle visitor injury cases?

Tourist injury cases require extra communication attention as clients often return to the mainland and need remote case management.

Legal Terms Every Hawaii Attorney Should Know

Clear communication requires understanding these fundamental concepts. Click any term to learn more.

NegligenceDamagesStatute of LimitationsLiabilitySettlementContingency FeeDiscoveryDuty of Care
Browse all legal terms →
Last updated: January 24, 2026
Reviewed by: Quilia Legal Compliance Team
Primary Source: Hawaii State Bar Association

Keep Your Hawaii Clients Informed - Automatically

Quilia helps Hawaii law firms maintain Rule 1.4 compliance while reducing administrative burden and improving client satisfaction.

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