If the plaintiff does not show up at the right time and place of the hearing, the case may be dismissed. It is unlikely, but if the case is dismissed "with prejudice," the plaintiff cannot file a new suit on the same claim.
On the date of your hearing, schedule enough time to get to court.
This is extremely important! Allow for traffic and parking delays. It is often confusing trying to find the right courtroom, so arrive early! A list of the day's small claims cases (court calendar) is usually posted outside the courtroom. If you don't find your name or case listed on the court calendar, check with the small claims clerk.
Remember, if you are in the building BUT are not in the right room at the right time, your case may be dismissed. Also, cases are not always called in the order listed on the court calendar, so be sure to stay in the courtroom.
When will my case be heard in court?
The court clerk will set a hearing date not less than 5 days and not more than 30 days from the date you filed the Statement of Claim. This could vary if the court grants you a "continuane." A continuance is when you ask the Court to postpone the hearing, and the Court approves this request. You can sometimes get a continuance, for example, if you do not serve the defendant by the hearing date. To file a continuance, fill out a Motion for Continuance form, which is available at the court or online at the Court's website.
http://www.courts.state.hi.us/self-help/courts/forms/court_forms.html
If I lose, can I appeal the decision?
NO. There is no right of appeal for the plaintiff or the defendant from a judgment of the Small Claims Division.