Hawaii § 91-4 - Filing and taking effect of rules.

Full text of Hawaii Hawaii Revised Statutes § 91-4 — Filing and taking effect of rules., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 91-4. Filing and taking effect of rules.

(a) Each agency adopting, amending, or repealing a rule, upon approval thereof by the governor or the mayor of the county, shall file forthwith certified copies thereof with the lieutenant governor in the case of the State, or with the clerk of the county in the case of a county. In addition, the clerks of all of the counties shall file forthwith certified copies thereof with the lieutenant governor. A permanent register of the rules, open to public inspection, shall be kept by the lieutenant governor and the clerks of the counties. (b) Each rule hereafter adopted, amended, or repealed shall become effective ten days after filing with the lieutenant governor in the case of the State, or with the respective county clerks in the case of the counties; provided that: (1) If a later effective date is required by statute or specified in the rule, the later date shall be the effective date; provided further that no rule shall specify an effective date in excess of thirty days after the filing of the rule as provided herein; (2) An emergency rule adopted pursuant to section 91-3(b) shall become effective upon filing with the lieutenant governor in the case of the State, or with the respective county clerks in the case of the counties, for a period of not longer than one hundred twenty days without renewal unless extended in compliance with section 91-3(b) if the agency finds that immediate adoption of the rule is necessary because of imminent peril to the public health, safety, or morals, or to natural resources. The agency's finding and brief statement of the reasons therefor shall be incorporated in the rule as filed. The agency shall make an emergency rule adopted pursuant to section 91-3(b) known to persons who will be affected by it by publication at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the State for state agencies and in the county for county agencies within five days from the date of filing of the rule; and (3) An emergency rule adopted pursuant to section 91-3(c) shall become effective upon filing with the lieutenant governor in the case of the State, or with the respective county clerks in the case of the counties, and shall be effective until no later than adjournment sine die of the next regular legislative session following adoption of the emergency rule. The agency's finding and brief statement of the reasons therefor shall be incorporated in the rule as filed. The agency shall make an emergency rule adopted pursuant to section 91-3(c) known to persons who will be affected by it by publication at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the State for state agencies and in the county for county agencies within five days from the date of filing of the rule. [L 1961, c 103, §4; am L 1965, c 96, §139b; Supp, §6C-4; HRS §91-4; am L 2012, c 149, §3; am L 2018, c 56, §3] Revision Note In subsection (a), provision requiring approval of rule by the chairman of the board of supervisors, has been deleted as obsolete. Case Notes Approval of rules as required is necessary for their validity. 51 H. 673, 466 P.2d 1009. Agency's resolution of a dispute was quasi-judicial and did not establish a rule. 70 H. 585, 779 P.2d 868. Previous Vol02_Ch0046-0115 Next

Source: official Hawaii text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii § 91-4

What does Hawaii Revised Statutes § 91-4 cover?

Section 91-4 ("Filing and taking effect of rules.") 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 § 91-4?

A common citation format is "Hawaii Revised Statutes § 91-4" (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 § 91-4 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.