State v. Camara

MOON, Chief Justice.

Surety-appellant Aloha Bail Bonds (Aloha or the surety) appeals from an order of the circuit court denying its motion to set aside a judgment of forfeiture of an appearance bond (motion to set aside). On appeal, Aloha contends that the circuit court erred in determining that a judgment of forfeiture may be set aside only if the movant shows good cause for the defendant’s failure to appear in court when required. For the reasons discussed below, we hold that the circuit court’s interpretation of Hawaii’s forfeiture statute was unduly restrictive. We therefore vacate the…