Hawaii Traffic Courts

HRS §291D-7 lets you contest a civil traffic infraction without appearing in court. On the back of your citation, choose Option 2 (Deny) if you believe you did not commit the infraction, or Option 3 (Mitigate)if you admit it and want to explain circumstances that might reduce the fine. Attach a separate, legible written statement of your defense — you can include photos, diagrams, and witness statements, although the court may not return them. Do not send payment with the answer. The judge reviews your statement with the officer’s notes and mails the decision (typically within 30 days of receipt), along with the amount owed if any. If you denied the infraction (Option 2) and lose, you have 30 days to request a Trial de Novo. Mitigation decisions (Option 3) are final.