# Honolulu immigration court hearing requirements > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/honolulu-immigration-court-hearing-requirements > Updated: 2026-10-10T21:18:33.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. New immigration judges in Honolulu have implemented a policy requiring significantly more in-person appearances, moving away from previous reliance on virtual hearings. Data from the Executive Office for Immigration Review shows that in July and August, 87% of immigrants from neighbor islands required travel to Oʻahu for at least one in-person hearing, a sharp increase from less than one-third during the same period the previous year. The impact is particularly high for out-of-state residents; 18 individuals with out-of-state addresses were required to appear in person during July and August, compared to only one during the prior year. Advocates report that these changes create heavy financial burdens for low-income individuals regarding airfare, lodging, and childcare. Furthermore, failure to attend these hearings can result in in-absentia decisions, which often lead to automatic removal orders for those seeking asylum or green cards. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-10: Honolulu travel experience highlights high costs and immigration delays A traveler shares details of a brief 44-hour trip to Honolulu, covering flight experiences with Hawaiian Airlines, high local prices, and an intensive immigration screening process. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/honolulu-travel-experience-highlights-high-costs-and-immigration-delays ### 2026-09-29: Honolulu immigration judges increase in-person hearing requirements New Honolulu immigration judges are requiring more in-person court appearances, increasing travel costs and barriers for immigrants from neighbor islands and out-of-state. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/honolulu-immigration-judges-increase-in-person-hearing-requirements --- Cite as: Honolulu immigration court hearing requirements. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/honolulu-immigration-court-hearing-requirements