Hawaii § 338-20.5 - Adoption; foreign born persons.
Full text of Hawaii Hawaii Revised Statutes § 338-20.5 — Adoption; foreign born persons., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 338-20.5. Adoption; foreign born persons.
(a) The department of health shall establish a Hawaii certificate of birth for a person born in a foreign country and for whom a final decree of adoption has been entered in a court of competent jurisdiction in Hawaii, when it receives the following: (1) A properly certified copy of the adoption decree, or certified abstract thereof on a form approved by the department; and (2) A copy of any investigatory report and recommendation which may have been prepared by the [director of human services]; and (3) A report on a form to be approved by the department of health setting forth the following: (A) Date of assumption of custody; (B) Sex; (C) Color or race; (D) Approximate age of child; (E) Name and address of the person or persons adopting said child; (F) Name given to child by adoptive parent or parents; (G) True or probable country of birth. The true or probable country of birth shall be known as the place of birth, and the date of birth shall be determined by approximation. This report shall constitute an original certificate of birth; and (4) A request that a new certificate of birth be established. (b) After preparation of the new certificate of birth in the new name of the adopted person, the department of health shall seal and file the certified copy of the adoptive decree, the investigatory report and recommendation of the director of human services if any, the report constituting the original certificate of birth, and the request for a new certificate of birth. The sealed documents may be opened by the department only by an order of a court of record or when requested in accordance with section 578-14.5 or 578-15. The new certificate of birth shall show the true or probable foreign country of birth, and that the certificate is not evidence of United States citizenship for the child for whom it is issued or for the adoptive parents. [L 1979, c 203, §3; am L 1990, c 338, §3] Previous Vol06_Ch0321-0344 Next
Source: official Hawaii text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii § 338-20.5
What does Hawaii Revised Statutes § 338-20.5 cover?
Section 338-20.5 ("Adoption; foreign born persons.") is part of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Hawaii. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Hawaii § 338-20.5?
A common citation format is "Hawaii Revised Statutes § 338-20.5" (Hawaii). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Hawaii law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Hawaii official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Hawaii attorney.
How does Hawaii § 338-20.5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Hawaii can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Hawaii.