A temporary restraining order (TRO) is a court order requiring the parties to whom it is addressed not to engage in certain activity, or to continue to engage in certain activity, and is usually designed to maintain the current state of things (the status quo) until the court has the opportunity to hear a more complete presentation of the evidence—usually during an application for a temporary injunction that will remain in place while the lawsuit is pending.
In Hawaii, a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is a legal measure used to provide immediate protection to individuals who are experiencing harm or are under threat of harm. It is often used in situations involving domestic violence, harassment, or stalking. The TRO is designed to prevent the alleged offender from contacting or coming near the petitioner, thereby maintaining the status quo until a full court hearing can be held. To obtain a TRO in Hawaii, the petitioner must file a request with the family court if it involves domestic matters, or with the district court for other types of harassment. The court will then decide whether to issue the TRO without the presence of the alleged offender, based on the evidence presented. If granted, the TRO is typically in effect for a short period, usually 15 to 20 days, until the court schedules a hearing for a longer-term order, such as a temporary injunction or an order for protection.