If the judge doesn't give you the TRO:
- File Again! Correct any mistakes you think you made. Call Legal Aid if you have problems.
- Try some self-help ideas:
- Talk to your landlord and try to work out any misunderstandings. If your landlord realizes that an illegal lockout means he/she might be ordered to pay you double rent for this act, he/she might be ready to work something out with you. Suggest mediation as a way to work through your problems. Visit http://www.courts.state.hi.us/services/alternative_dispute/mediation/community_mediation_centers for a list of mediation centers throughout the state.
- Keep a copy of your rental receipts, checks, and/or the lease/rental agreement to show the police if they try to keep you out of your unit. Inform them that the landlord has no court order to evict you (i.e. the landlord does not have a Writ of Possession court order from the judge.
- Change the locks. This is risky! It could escalate the disagreement you have with your landlord. But, if you cannot get to essential, needed items such as medication, this may be your last resort.
- Find another place to live.
Unfortunately, you cannot move on to step 7 unless you decide to re-file again and be granted the TRO.