Terms Used In Hawaii Revised Statutes 668-2

  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • 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
  • Lien: A claim against real or personal property in satisfaction of a debt.
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.

Subject to the rules of court and section 668-8.5, plaintiff shall join as a party every person having or claiming to have, as far as known to the plaintiff, any legal or equitable right, title, or interest in the property described in the complaint or any part thereof or any lien or other claim with respect thereto. Such persons shall be named in the complaint as far as known to the plaintiff.

All persons interested or who may claim any interest in the premises who cannot be identified or whose names are unknown to the plaintiff, shall be made parties as provided by the rules of court.