If an insurer or self-insurer denies a claim for personal injury protection in whole or in part, it shall mail to the claimant in triplicate a notice of the denial as required by section 431:10C-304(3)(B), HRS. In the case of benefits for services specified in section 431:10C-103.5, HRS, the insurer or self-insurer shall also mail a copy of the denial to the health care provider or alternative health care provider.
If the claimant or health care provider desires a review of any action on the claim for benefits, the claimant or health care provider shall file with the commissioner two copies of the notice of denial of the claim, a request for review and a statement in duplicate giving specific reasons for the request within sixty days after the date of denial of the claim.
The commissioner shall forthwith notify the insurer or self-insurer of the request for review, enclosing a copy of the claimant's or health care provider's statement of reasons therefor.
The review hearing shall be held or conducted in the county in which the claimant or health care provider resides; provided, that the commissioner, upon a showing of good cause, may hold the hearing in another county. The hearing may be held by telephone with the consent of the parties. The commissioner may appoint an impartial referee to hear the matter.
The review shall be heard and determined in accordance with the provisions of chapter 91, HRS, and chapter 16-201. The commissioner shall assess the cost of the hearing upon either or both of the parties.
Nothing in this section precludes determination of any dispute relating to a motor vehicle insurance policy by arbitration and judicial review pursuant to chapter 431:10C, HRS.
Haw. Code R. § 16-23-57