HI HB2238

Adds new section §607 to Hawaii Revised Statutes establishing procedures for prisoners to file civil suits and appeals in forma pauperis (without prepayment of fees).

Requires prisoners seeking in forma pauperis status to submit certified financial statements covering the previous six months and an affidavit declaring inability to pay court fees.

Establishes a payment schedule where prisoners must pay 20% of average monthly deposits or account balance as initial partial filing fee, followed by monthly payments of 20% of preceding month's income until fees are paid.

Prohibits in forma pauperis filings for prisoners with four or more previous in forma pauperis actions dismissed as frivolous, malicious, or for failure to state a claim, unless in imminent danger of serious harm; courts may waive this requirement in the interest of justice.

Authorizes courts to dismiss cases at any time if poverty claim is false or if the action is frivolous, malicious, fails to state a claim, or seeks relief from an immune defendant; requires prisoners to pay full filing fees and costs in the same manner as partial fees.