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HAWAII GUIDE 16

Hawaii Government Vehicle Crashes & Public Entity Claims

Claims involving state, county, police, transit, school or other public vehicles require separate analysis of sovereign immunity, statutory waivers, notice, timing and damages limitations.

  • Identify the public entity, employee, vehicle ownership and course of employment.
  • Determine whether the claim falls within a statutory waiver.
  • Calendar administrative notice and lawsuit deadlines separately.
  • Preserve public records, fleet data, dispatch, video and maintenance evidence.

Publication review note — September 17, 2026. Verify current Hawaii State Tort Liability Act and county-specific claim procedures before publication.