Terms Used In Hawaii Revised Statutes 664-34

  • Controversy: means the matter or question at issue before the court. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 664-31
  • Equitable: Pertaining to civil suits in "equity" rather than in "law." In English legal history, the courts of "law" could order the payment of damages and could afford no other remedy. See damages. A separate court of "equity" could order someone to do something or to cease to do something. See, e.g., injunction. In American jurisprudence, the federal courts have both legal and equitable power, but the distinction is still an important one. For example, a trial by jury is normally available in "law" cases but not in "equity" cases. Source: U.S. Courts
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.

The court shall hear the evidence offered relative to the right in controversy, and may, if deemed desirable to the rendering of a correct decision, visit the locality where the controversy arose. It shall give such decision as may in each particular case appear to be in conformity with vested rights and shall be just and equitable between the parties.

The decision shall state expressly the findings of fact on the evidence, and shall in cases of right of way clearly indicate the location (if possible) and nature of the way; if on a water right, it shall state the proportion of time for use, and any other things necessary to the right. It may also regulate the methods by which water may be obtained, and by which its supply can be controlled. As far as possible, the rights of parties served by publication who have not appeared in the action shall be ascertained. Judgment shall be entered in accordance with the decision.