ABVE/D in Hawaii
Recognition and practice information for American Board of Vocational Experts Diplomate in Hawaii.
Recognition and qualification in Hawaii
The ABVE Diplomate is an advanced forensic credential recognizing expertise in vocational evaluation and expert testimony for litigation. Scope covers earning capacity, employability, vocational rehabilitation, and expert witness practice.
The Hawaii Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) administers public vocational rehabilitation in Hawaii. KWVRS ABVE/D-credentialed experts apply nationally recognized standards.
Hawaii courts and venues
Expert qualification in Hawaii's courts is determined case by case.
- Circuit Court - General jurisdiction; civil cases over $40,000, felonies, family court division
- District Court - Civil cases up to $40,000, misdemeanors, small claims, traffic
- Family Court - Division of the circuit court; matters involving children, divorce, child support, paternity, custody and domestic violence
Highest court: Hawaii Supreme Court. Federal venues: D. Haw.
Sources: Hawaii State Judiciary, How the Courts are Structured: the appellate courts are the Hawaii Supreme Court and the Intermediate Court of Appeals; the trial courts include the Circuit, Family and District courts (reviewed 2026-10-12); Hawaii State Judiciary, Circuit Courts: general jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases, with exclusive jurisdiction in felony cases and in civil cases where the contested amount exceeds $40,000 (reviewed 2026-10-12); Hawaii State Legislature, Hawaii Revised Statutes, Family courts, divisions of circuit courts: the family courts are divisions of the circuit courts (reviewed 2026-10-12); Hawaii State Judiciary, Family Courts: legal matters involving children, domestic relations cases including divorce, child support, paternity and custody, and domestic violence cases (reviewed 2026-10-12); Hawaii State Judiciary, District Courts: civil actions up to $40,000, small claims up to $5,000, traffic infractions and criminal offenses punishable by imprisonment not exceeding one year (reviewed 2026-10-12)
Other credentials in Hawaii
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ABVE/D and ABVE/F?
ABVE/F is the Fellow, the board's certification for a forensic vocational expert with three years of documented experience in assessment of vocational capacity and forensic work. ABVE/D is the Diplomate, which requires at least seven years of that experience and distinguished performance such as publications, office in a professional organization or awards. Both are earned through the same examination, a peer-reviewed forensic work product and the board's code of ethics.
Does the ABVE credential substitute for state licensure?
No. ABVE is a forensic specialty credential and does not replace state licensure where required for practice.
References
- ABVE Certification OverviewOrganization
- Hawaii State Judiciary, How the Courts are Structured: the appellate courts are the Hawaii Supreme Court and the Intermediate Court of Appeals; the trial courts include the Circuit, Family and District courts (reviewed 2026-10-12)Government
- Hawaii State Judiciary, Circuit Courts: general jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases, with exclusive jurisdiction in felony cases and in civil cases where the contested amount exceeds $40,000 (reviewed 2026-10-12)Government
- Hawaii State Legislature, Hawaii Revised Statutes, Family courts, divisions of circuit courts: the family courts are divisions of the circuit courts (reviewed 2026-10-12)Government
- Hawaii State Judiciary, Family Courts: legal matters involving children, domestic relations cases including divorce, child support, paternity and custody, and domestic violence cases (reviewed 2026-10-12)Government
- Hawaii State Judiciary, District Courts: civil actions up to $40,000, small claims up to $5,000, traffic infractions and criminal offenses punishable by imprisonment not exceeding one year (reviewed 2026-10-12)Government
Ready to Get Started on ABVE/D engagements in Hawaii?
Contact KWVRS to discuss scope, timing, and the deliverables appropriate to the matter. Plaintiff and defense.