HONOLULU (KHON) — Starting Friday, Aug. 8, the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary will mail more than 330,000 jury questionnaires to residents across the state. This is the first step in selecting potential jurors for 2026.
If you receive a questionnaire, you are required to complete and return it within 10 days. The envelope is provided. If you ignore it, you may face penalties.
This is not a request. It is your legal duty, the judiciary said.
Who gets the form
Names are randomly selected from people who have a Hawaiʻi state driver’s license or are registered to vote. The breakdown includes:
- Oʻahu: 115,000.
- Maui County: 76,000.
- Hawaiʻi Island: 82,000.
- Kauaʻi: 57,000.
You must meet the basic eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a United States citizen.
- Be a resident of Hawaiʻi.
- Be able to read and understand English.
If you meet the criteria, you may be selected for jury service. If you don’t return your questionnaire, you could be penalized.
No excuses without proof
Some may qualify for exemption.
If you were a juror in state or federal court in the past 12 months, you can be excused.
If you are seeking exemption due to a disability, you must include a physician’s certificate.
People with felony convictions may still be eligible if they’ve received or qualify for a discharge.
No texts no calls no emails
The judiciary said they do not contact people by phone or email about missed jury duty or warrants. Do not give out your personal information if you receive a suspicious message. Do not click on any links and delete the email.
If you have questions, visit the judiciary’s website or call your circuit’s Jury Pool Office.
Jury service connects you directly to the justice system. It is not just a civic duty. It is a constitutional right. Ignoring your questionnaire is not an option.