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Hawaii Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation for Hawaii on
Q: Employer changed the "Location of Accident" on "WC-1 EMPLOYER’S REPORT OF INDUSTRIAL INJURY" is that against the law?

from a chemical contamination, air-polluted hazardous room to a breakroom.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 1, 2024

A Hawaii attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Until you're able to consult with a workers' comp attorney, as a general matter, it could be. It depends on the setting - and whether it was done as an innocent correction (clerical related) or something... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law for Hawaii on
Q: where to report fraud Medical Records in Hawaii? called several State Agencies, but no one knows where to report to.

please help. Thanks.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 1, 2024

A Hawaii attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. If you mean issues dealing with the retrieval of medical records, state departments of health usually deal with those matters, such as setting caps on cost per page copies, retrieval fees, postage, HIPAA compliance,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Elder Law and Real Estate Law for Hawaii on
Q: I was unfairly targeted by our HOA on miniscule house infraction, while others are not.

Believe this was because I always question their accusation and this is a form of retaliation. I have been served notice of foreclosure due to non payment of fines and lawyers fee. How can I protect my right as homeowner and a senior citizen of 77 years old, living alone on SSI. I have lived in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2024

This is a difficult and stressful situation you're facing. As a senior citizen on a fixed income, dealing with potential foreclosure is especially concerning. Here are some steps you may want to consider:

1. Review your HOA's governing documents and bylaws to ensure they followed...
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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy and Employment Law for Hawaii on
Q: I worked for hawaiian Springs. They owe me several paychecks. If they filed for bankruptcy am i able to get money?
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answered on Jun 26, 2024

To answer this question, let's break down the key points and provide some general information about employee rights in bankruptcy cases:

1. Unpaid wages: You mention that Hawaiian Springs owes you several paychecks.

2. Bankruptcy filing: The company has filed for bankruptcy....
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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Child Custody, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Hawaii on
Q: Can I file the fraud on the court and habeas petition As one document

Minor petitioners

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answered on Jun 22, 2024

Based on the Constitution and legal procedures in the United States:

Filing a fraud on the court claim and a habeas corpus petition as a single document is generally not recommended, as these are separate legal actions with different purposes and requirements:

1. Fraud on the court:...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Hawaii on
Q: Can probation get revoked if they got arrested? Arrested isn't convicted

Just because someone got arrested that doesn't mean they picked up a new charge because they were not yet convicted. Would that be grounds for probation revocation or modification?

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answered on Jun 22, 2024

Getting arrested while on probation can potentially lead to probation revocation or modification, even if the person hasn't been convicted of a new charge. Here's a breakdown of the situation:

1. Probation conditions: Most probation agreements include a condition that the...
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Q: file complaint of discrimination; kicked off from break room; signed a Chemical contained room; got sick since, accused

After I filed a complaint of discrimination; my employer kicked me off from the break room I was using; signed me a men's restroom for my bag and food, I carried my bag with food and work at same time for a week. then my employer signed me to use a Chemical contained, air polluted room; I got... View More

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answered on Jun 21, 2024

Based on the situation you've described, it appears you may have grounds for multiple legal claims against your employer. Here's a general overview of potential steps you could take:

1. Document everything: Keep detailed records of all incidents, communications, and any evidence...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Hawaii on
Q: Breach of Contract? Conversion? Bailment?

A ‘friend’ agreed to store a footlocker for me while I was away. While I was away for four years we stayed in touch however when I returned he said he no longer had the footlocker. In the state of Hawaii does this violate any laws?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 12, 2024

A Hawaii attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. It looks like a bailment. Conversion usually requires intent, which isn't detailed in your post. So unless there is further information about acts that indicate something about your friend's state of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Hawaii on
Q: Can any federal entities adjust the net amount I will be compensated relating to work injury sustained on the job?

Federal entities eg.

:child support

:Owed Taxes

:Student Loans

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answered on Jun 5, 2024

Yes, certain federal entities can adjust the net amount you will be compensated for a work injury sustained on the job.

For example, if you owe child support, the government may withhold a portion of your compensation to cover those obligations. Similarly, if you have unpaid taxes, the IRS...
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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Civil Rights for Hawaii on
Q: 1 sister has home sec. cams in lvng room to watch mom (99ys) while she is at work. Other sis picks mom up turns cams aro

Sister 2 covers cameras or turns them around. Is this considered damage ? What kind of recourse does sister 1 have to prevent sister 2 from disabling cameras? Is there a reasonable expectation of privacy in a living room? Which extends to someone allowed in the home for a specific purpose only?... View More

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answered on Jun 3, 2024

If your sister turns the cameras around or covers them, it might not be considered damage unless the cameras are broken or malfunctioning as a result. However, it does interfere with your ability to monitor your mom, which can be concerning, especially if her safety is at risk.

You can...
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3 Answers | Asked in International Law for Hawaii on
Q: I need advice on factors to consider in accepting a minor ownership and board seat on a new African mining company.

This U.S educated African friend is in the process of starting his own mining company after discovering the gemstone Sugilite and raw copper & manganese on his property and in adjoining tribal lands. My concern is tax and personal property liabilities I need to be aware of as a U.S. citizen.

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answered on Jun 1, 2024

When considering a minor ownership and board seat in a new African mining company, you should be aware of several key factors, especially concerning tax and personal property liabilities. As a U.S. citizen, you are subject to U.S. tax laws, which means you must report and pay taxes on worldwide... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in International Law for Hawaii on
Q: I need advice on factors to consider in accepting a minor ownership and board seat on a new African mining company.

This U.S educated African friend is in the process of starting his own mining company after discovering the gemstone Sugilite and raw copper & manganese on his property and in adjoining tribal lands. My concern is tax and personal property liabilities I need to be aware of as a U.S. citizen.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 2, 2024

This question deserves more detailed attention than is possible on a public forum. You would probably need guidance outside this forum, since this forum deals largely with U.S. law and courts. You could consider reaching out to attorneys to learn about liability issues you mention having concerns... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law for Hawaii on
Q: What are policies , procedures and laws for tax levies for Hawaii for GET and State tax

Do IRS laws apply to Hawaii for income taxes?

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answered on May 5, 2024

Here is a summary of key policies, procedures and laws related to tax levies for Hawaii's General Excise Tax (GET) and state income tax:

General Excise Tax (GET):

- The GET is a privilege tax imposed on business activity in Hawaii. It is not a sales tax.

- The standard...
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1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law for Hawaii on
Q: Is there a statute of limitation for assessments or audits of Hawaii GET taxes

I didn’t realize I needed to file GET for Hawaii but did file my 1099s as income for state income taxes. If I had filed GET, there is 3 year statute of limitations but it seems ambiguous if the statute applies since I unknowingly did not file. Since I filed my 1099 for state income, I think... View More

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answered on May 5, 2024

In Hawaii, the statute of limitations for assessments or audits of General Excise Tax (GET) can vary depending on the circumstances.

1. General rule: If you filed your GET returns, the Department of Taxation has 3 years from the due date of the return or the date the return was filed,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Admiralty / Maritime for Hawaii on
Q: I am pro se and need to know the best place to obtain the process and stages, as well as court etiquette, and doc filing

It is a misdemeanor, but self defense. Need to know how to navigate thru law of the sea in court, as an American National under law of the land, common law. In Hawaii dist 1. Just their procedures. Thank you.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 23, 2024

I'm not a criminal defense attorney, but you posted under Admiralty/Maritime, and your question remains open for four weeks. It would probably be best for an experienced criminal defense attorney who practices in Hawaii to advise you. But as a general point, I see you are working on... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Hawaii on
Q: Is it normal to be asked by an attorney about my medication situation, my government situation & names of my kids ?

My dad recently passed away and name me and my 2 older sisters in his will.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 18, 2024

A Hawaii estate planning attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for four weeks. I'm sorry for the loss of your father. It could depend on the role of the attorney - tax, private dispute, etc. As a general short answer, without practicing in this area and not knowing the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Hawaii on
Q: HELP!! PLEASE!! manager, MGMNT company, and board constantly harass me knowing limited income CANT SUE. they won't stop.

I am constantly harassed by property manager, mngmnt co, and members of board.

1. Parked motorcycle behind my car making me late for work stating he had been trying to get ahold of me concerning serious matter. He never sent one email text message or a phone call.

2. He took my... View More

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answered on Apr 16, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you're facing with your property manager and board. It sounds like a very challenging situation. Given the nature of the harassment and the actions you described, it might be wise to document everything meticulously. Keep a detailed record of all... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking and Consumer Law for Hawaii on
Q: We finance a used car and it broke down in just 2 days, they don't want us to have a different car

They also don't give back the down payment that we paid to them

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answered on Apr 11, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your difficult situation with the used car purchase. Here are a few steps you can consider taking:

1. Review your purchase contract: Carefully read through the sales contract to see if there is any language about warranties or guarantees. Look for any clauses...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law, Employment Law and Tax Law for Hawaii on
Q: Is it ok, if a friend of mine sets up a Gofundme for legal fees and put me as the beneficiary? I am on a O1-B visa.

I am not concerned about the possibility of paying taxes, but if it won't be seen as something outside the scope of my employment. Thank you

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answered on Apr 5, 2024

As an O-1B visa holder, it's important to ensure that any financial assistance you receive does not violate the terms of your visa or create issues with your employment. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Purpose of the funds: If the legal fees are related to your employment or the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Hawaii on
Q: If a tenant who is related to the landlord doesn't have a lease/rental agreement but pays rent what rights do they have?

My sister lives in the main house on my mom's property and my mom lives in the cottage. She does not have a rental/lease agreement but does pay monthly rent which basically covers the mortgage. Recently there have been issues with one of my sister's friends who is there almost everyday... View More

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answered on Mar 31, 2024

In this situation, even though your sister is a relative and doesn't have a formal lease agreement, she is still considered a tenant because she pays rent. As a landlord, your mother has the right to set reasonable rules and expectations for the use of her property.

Here are some steps...
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