On July 8, 2025, Hawaii introduced new legislation aimed at streamlining court processes in civil cases. The new law, House Bill 1234, seeks to expedite civil litigation by implementing new rules and procedures that will make the legal process more efficient and cost-effective.One of the key provisions of the new legislation is the implementation of mandatory mediation and arbitration in civil cases. Under the new law, parties involved in civil disputes will be required to undergo mediation or arbitration before their case can proceed to trial. This is aimed at resolving disputes quickly and cost-effectively, reducing the burden on the court system and promoting out-of-court settlements.In addition to mandatory alternative dispute resolution, House Bill 1234 also introduces new rules governing the discovery process in civil cases. The new rules limit the scope of discovery to relevant and proportional information, preventing parties from engaging in lengthy and costly discovery processes that can delay resolution of the case.Furthermore, the new legislation introduces a cap on attorney fees, limiting the amount that attorneys can charge their clients in civil cases. This is aimed at making legal representation more affordable and accessible to all parties involved in civil disputes.Overall, the introduction of House Bill 1234 represents a significant step towards reforming Hawaii's civil practice system. The new legislation aims to make the legal process more efficient, cost-effective, and accessible to all parties involved in civil disputes. This is expected to have a positive impact on the court system, reducing backlog and promoting timely resolution of civil cases.