Hawaii Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Hawaii CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	3 credit hours per year (minimum 3 per year; 12 per 3-year cycle recommended)
Ethics / Professionalism	1 hour of ethics or professional responsibility each year
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webcast, on-demand, or distance learning (if accredited)
Compliance Period	January 1 – December 31 each year
Reporting Deadline	Before December 31 each year (certified during annual registration)
Carryover Credit	Up to 3 general CLE hours may be carried forward to the next year (ethics may not)
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, inactive members, and certain government attorneys
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys certify CLE compliance annually via Hawaii State Bar registration

Overview

Hawaii requires all active attorneys to complete 3 credit hours of CLE each year, including at least 1 hour in ethics or professional responsibility. The compliance period runs from January 1 to December 31, and attorneys must certify CLE compliance annually as part of their Hawaii State Bar registration renewal.

While 3 hours per year is the minimum, the Bar encourages attorneys to complete 12 hours per 3-year cycle to maintain ongoing professional competence.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 3 total CLE hours required annually
• At least 1 hour must be in ethics or professional responsibility
• The remaining 2 hours may be in general law, practice management, technology, or professional development topics
• Credit may be earned through live attendance, webinars, or on-demand courses offered by accredited providers
• Attorneys may earn additional credit for teaching, writing, or participation in approved educational activities

Compliance Period

• The compliance year runs from January 1 through December 31
• Attorneys must complete all required CLE before December 31 of each year
• CLE compliance certification is completed at the time of annual Bar registration renewal

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys certify CLE compliance each year through the Hawaii State Bar registration process
• Providers may report attendance, but attorneys remain responsible for ensuring compliance
• Attorneys should maintain records of completion for 3 years in case of audit
• Failure to certify CLE during registration will result in noncompliance status

Carryover Rules

• Up to 3 general CLE hours may be carried forward to the next calendar year
• Ethics and professional responsibility credits may not be carried forward

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt for the calendar year of admission but must complete the HSBA Professionalism Course within 1 year of admission
• Inactive members, judges, and federal government attorneys may be exempt from annual CLE requirements
• Attorneys may apply for extensions or hardship waivers in cases of illness, military service, or similar circumstances

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE courses must be accredited by the Hawaii State Bar Association (HSBA) or approved by another recognized jurisdiction
• Activities that may qualify for CLE credit include:
  • Teaching CLE or law school courses
  • Authoring scholarly legal publications
  • Serving as a panelist or commentator at approved programs
• Attorneys may also receive credit for attendance at accredited out-of-state CLE programs

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to complete or certify CLE may be placed on administrative noncompliance status
• Noncompliant attorneys may not practice law until CLE requirements are met and certification is filed
• Reinstatement requires submission of proof of completion and payment of applicable fees

How to Report CLE in Hawaii

1. Complete at least 3 CLE hours, including 1 in ethics, by December 31
2. Log into your Hawaii State Bar Member Portal during registration renewal
3. Certify CLE compliance or claim exemption (if eligible)
4. Retain proof of attendance for 3 years for audit purposes
5. Complete the HSBA Professionalism Course if you are a new admittee

Hawaii CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Hawaii?

3 hours per year, including 1 hour of ethics or professional responsibility.

Can I take CLE online?

Yes. Both live and on-demand online courses are accepted if accredited.

Can I carry over CLE credits?

Yes. Up to 3 general hours may carry forward, but ethics credits cannot.

Who is exempt from CLE in Hawaii?

Judges, inactive members, newly admitted attorneys (during the year of admission), and certain government attorneys.

What happens if I do not complete CLE?

You may be classified as noncompliant and unable to practice law until CLE requirements are met.

What is the HSBA Professionalism Course?

Newly admitted attorneys must complete a 4-hour professionalism course offered by the HSBA within 1 year of admission.

Hawaii CLE Resources

• Hawaii State Bar Association CLE: https://hsba.org/HSBA/CLE/
• MCLE Rules & Regulations (PDF): https://hsba.org/HSBA/ForMembers/MCLERules.aspx
• Hawaii State Bar Member Portal: https://hsba.org/HSBA/ForMembers/MemberLogin.aspx
• HSBA Professionalism Course: https://hsba.org/HSBA/CLE/Professionalism_Course.aspx