Haw. Rev. Stat. § 560:3-103 : PROPERTY; FAMILY — UNIFORM PROBATE CODE — UNIFORM PROBATE CODE — PROBATE OF WILLS AND ADMINISTRATION — GENERAL PROVISIONS —103 - Necessity of appointment for administration TEXT PDF Except as otherwise provided in article IV, to acquire the powers and undertake the duties and liabilities of a personal representative of a decedent, a person must be appointed by order of the court or registrar, qualify and be issued letters. Administration of an estate is commenced by the issuance of letters. HRS § 560:3-103 L 1996, c 288, pt of §1