Section 480-21 - Court and venue(a) Any criminal action or proceeding authorized by this chapter shall be brought in any appropriate court in the circuit in which the defendant resides, engages in business, or has an agent.(b) Any civil action or proceeding authorized by this chapter may be brought in any appropriate court.Amended by L 2011, c 66, § 2, eff. 7/1/2011.L 1961, c 190, §19; Supp, § 205A-19; HRS § 480-21; am L 1998, c 62, §1 Plaintiffs' chapter 480 claims which were derived through chapter 443B could not have been "properly litigated" in district court for the court lacked jurisdiction; thus, such claims were not precluded by doctrine of res judicata.78 Haw. 213 (App.),891 P.2d 300.