What happens during a contested hearing?
Each of the parties will be given an opportunity to present information (evidence) and arguments to a hearings officer. On neighbor islands the hearing officer will usually appear by telephone from Oahu. Each party will present their information. Information is usually presented in two ways: testimony and documents. You will be placed under oath and may testify on your own behalf. You may also bring out testimony from other witnesses by asking them questions. You may also present documents in support of your case. The parties will present their final arguments to the hearings officer after all parties are done presenting information. The hearings officer will weigh the merits of the information and arguments presented by the parties and issue a final order. The order may be issued immediately after the hearing, or the hearing officer may take the matter under advisement and issue the order at a later date, usually within two weeks of the hearing.
