Statute of Limitations
HRS § 657-7 provides a 2-year limitations period for personal injury actions in Hawaii. Hawaii courts apply the discovery rule, tolling accrual until the plaintiff discovers or reasonably should discover both the injury and its causal connection to the hernia mesh device. No statute of repose applies to product liability claims. The geographic isolation of Hawaii claimants — who must often travel to the U.S. mainland for advanced mesh revision surgery — can increase compensable damages for travel, lodging, and extended treatment costs.
2 years from discovery of mesh-related injury or complication
Exposure in Hawaii
Source: Hawaii Health Information Corporation (HHIC) surgical utilization report
Source: MDL 2846 Hawaii plaintiff damages analysis