CM/ECF

• How do I obtain a CM/ECF login?

  Filing a document requires a PACER account and access approval by our court. Click on this link for NextGen Information, then Register for PACER and Request E-Filing Privileges.

• I file in the District Court, District of Hawaii - Can I use the same CM/ECF login?

  Yes, your PACER credentials will provide you access to file in Hawaii District CM/ECF and any other NextGen court. However, you should understand that filing procedures may be quite different, especially if you intend to file a petition to open a bankruptcy case or a complaint to open an adversary proceeding. Attending a training class is highly recommended and may be required if you are filing anything more than a simple motion or memorandum. 

• Do I need to be an attorney to register for CM/ECF?

  Debtors and other parties in a bankruptcy case who are not represented by an attorney, may request limited online filing privileges in the CM/ECF system of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Hawaii. This is a request to file documents in a specific existing case and access will be terminated when the case is closed.  All filers must submit a completed and signed registration form, agreeing to abide by the court’s rules and procedures regarding electronic filing. There is no entitlement to electronic filing; access to online filing is a privilege and may be withdrawn at any time solely at the court’s discretion. For more information, contact the Clerk's Office at (808) 522-8100..

  In contrast to filing documents electronically, anyone may obtain a PACER account for viewing documents online. 

• How do I reset my password?

  Click on this link for information about resetting and changing your password.

• What is the maximum file upload size for filing electronically?

  20 MB. You should be able to upload multiple PDFs as attachments for a single docket entry so long as each file is less than 20 megabytes. If you have a large number of attachments and have trouble completing the upload, file some of the attachments as separate docket entries. Select Miscellaneous Documents > Continuation of Document as the CM/ECF event and make sure you include a cover page identifying the document part and the correct sequence.

• How can I play an audio file for a hearing in PACER?

  If an audio recording of a hearing or trial has been uploaded in PACER, it will be attached to a separate docket entry "PDF with attached Audio File". Accessing the MP3 audio file attachment is dependent on the particular version of PDF software being used. With Adobe Acrobat, it may be shown as a 'paper clip' icon. The MP3 file may be played using any application that plays music files. For additional instructions, click here. There is a PACER charge for accessing the audio file.

• What is the "free look" for notices of electronic filing and when does it expire?

  When a document is filed electronically in the CM/ECF system, a Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) is emailed to the attorneys and other ECF-registered parties in the case. Clicking on the document link in this email will open the document in PACER. Case participants can use this link without accruing a PACER fee for 15 days after the date the Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) is sent. The free look extends to all separate email addresses sent the NEF. For example, this may include legal assistants as well as the attorney. You should access the PDF before your free look expires and save the file for future viewing - there will be a charge after 15 days.