[231]*231Opinion of the Court by
ACOBA, J.
Plaintiffs-Appellants Daniel Lealoha Ka-haikupuna and Frederick Ponce [collectively, Plaintiffs] appeal from the September 22, 2004 judgment of the circuit court of the second circuit1 (the court) in favor of Defendants-Appellees the State of Hawai'i (the State), and the County of Maui (the County) [collectively, Defendants]. Plaintiffs also challenge the court’s August 31, 2004 findings of fact (findings), conclusions of law (conclusions) and order granting Defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint. Because we hold that Plaintiffs’ challenges to Hawai'i Revised Statutes (HRS) § 711-1109(1) (Supp.2004) and Chapter 9.08.010 of the Maui County Code (MCC)2 are not proper subjects for a declaratory judgment, we vacate the September 22, 2004 judgment and the aforesaid findings, conclusions, and order and remand the case to the court to enter summary judgment in favor of the County on its motion and in favor of the State on its join-der to the County’s motion and to enter judgment thereon on the grounds set forth herein.
I.
On May 28, 2004, Plaintiffs filed a complaint under the provisions of HRS § 632-1 (1993),3 asking the court to enter a declaratory judgment to the effect that coekfighting is a native Hawaiian customary right protected pursuant to article XII, section 7 of the State Constitution 4 and HRS § 7-1 (1993).5 Plaintiffs named the State and the County as parties in the suit. Cockfighting is prohibited under State6 and County7 laws. Plain[232]*232tiffs have not been charged with a criminal offense.
In the complaint, Plaintiffs represented that they are descendants of native Hawaiians who inhabited the Hawaiian Islands pri- or to 1778. They further asserted that cockfighting is a “traditional native Hawaiian cultural practice.” Plaintiffs requested “entry of adjudgment declaring, determining, and resolving Plaintiffs’ legal status, rights and privileges” and “entry of judgment declaring that Plaintiffs have the right to practice raising and fighting roosters as part of their culture.”
On July 16,2004, the County filed a motion to dismiss Plaintiffs’ complaint for lack of jurisdiction. The County argued that Plaintiffs failed to “allege an ‘actual controversy’ ” because Plaintiffs failed to plead that they have either been charged with or convicted of violations pursuant to State or County laws, and, therefore, the court was “depriv[ed]” of subject matter jurisdiction. The County also argued that “[e]ven if the [cjourt had jurisdiction, Plaintiffs’ [cjomplaint fails to state a claim upon which relief may be granted.”
On July 22, 2004, the State filed a substantive joinder in the County’s Hawaii Rules of Civil Procedure (HRCP) Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss (joinder). The State asked the court to treat the County’s motion to dismiss as one for summary judgment pursuant to HRCP Rules 12(c) and 66 (2004)8 because the County’s motion to dismiss included matters outside of the pleadings.
On August 19, 2004, Plaintiffs filed a memorandum in opposition to both the County’s motion to dismiss and the State’s joinder, arguing that (1) by virtue of HRS § 632-1, infra, the court has jurisdiction to grant declaratory relief for (a) “[cjontroversies involving the interpretation of ... statutes, municipal ordinances, and other governmental regulations (b) when “antagonistic claims are present between the parties which indicate imminent and inevitable litigation,” or (e) “where the court is satisfied that a party asserts a legal[ j relation, status, right, or privilege ... and that there is a challenge ... by an adversary party who also has or asserts a concrete interest therein, and the court is satisfied also that a declaratory judgment will serve to terminate the uncertainty or controversy giving rise to the proceeding^]” (2) Plaintiffs’ action is ripe, (3) Plaintiffs have standing, and (4) the complaint does state a claim. In a declaration, Plaintiff Kahaikupuna stated that although he has never been charged with or convicted of a crime, he faces the “real, immediate and adverse threat of criminal prosecution ... for practicing the traditional Hawaiian custom of coekfighting[,j” and that the threat is a “serious threat which impacts my life as well as the lives of the members of my family.”
On August 31, 2004, the court issued its findings, conclusions, and order granting Defendants’ motion to dismiss. The court determined that as a matter of law (1) it had jurisdiction over the subject matter of the action and Plaintiffs had standing, (2) the claims were ripe in that competing interests were likely to lead to litigation if Plaintiffs should attempt to exercise their claimed rights, (3) the motion to dismiss should be decided under the provisions of Rule 56 of the HRCP, rather than under Rule 12 because there were matters presented to the court that were outside the pleadings, and (4) summary judgment should be granted against Plaintiffs on the merits.9
[233]*233Plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal on September 27, 2004.
II.
On appeal, Plaintiffs contend that the court erred in ruling that (1) raising and fighting roosters was not a customary traditional practice of Native Hawaiians, despite substantial and uncontested evidence in the record to the contrary, or at least there was a genuine issue of fact as to the existence of such a practice, (2) pursuant to chapter 24 of the Kingdom of Hawai'i Penal Code enacted in 1884, raising and fighting roosters was not a right customarily and traditionally exercised for subsistence or cultural purposes by native Hawaiians, and (3) such a right is not protected by article XII, section 7 of the Hawai'i Constitution. Plaintiffs state that they make “no contention that any of the existing state laws regarding cockfighting were unconstitutional” and they “do not ask for declaration that any state or county laws were unconstitutional.”
In response, the State argues that (1) summary judgment was proper because cockfighting is not a constitutionally or statutorily protected Native Hawaiian customary right, (2) summary judgment was correct because Plaintiffs have not set forth specific facts to show that there are any genuine issues of material fact, (3) the court properly ruled that the State exercised its constitutional right to regulate Native Hawaiian customary practices, and (4) declaratory judgment is improper because the issue of whether cockfighting is a Native Hawaiian customary right is not ripe for review.
The County agrees with the State’s first and second arguments and also contends that (1) chapter 24 of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s penal code outlawed more than merely keeping or managing a place used for cockfighting, (2) neither the County nor the State prohibits the raising of roosters, (3) there are no disputed material facts, and (4) Plaintiffs have failed to overcome the presumption that the County’s anti-cockfighting ordinances are valid.
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[231]*231Opinion of the Court by
ACOBA, J.
Plaintiffs-Appellants Daniel Lealoha Ka-haikupuna and Frederick Ponce [collectively, Plaintiffs] appeal from the September 22, 2004 judgment of the circuit court of the second circuit1 (the court) in favor of Defendants-Appellees the State of Hawai'i (the State), and the County of Maui (the County) [collectively, Defendants]. Plaintiffs also challenge the court’s August 31, 2004 findings of fact (findings), conclusions of law (conclusions) and order granting Defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint. Because we hold that Plaintiffs’ challenges to Hawai'i Revised Statutes (HRS) § 711-1109(1) (Supp.2004) and Chapter 9.08.010 of the Maui County Code (MCC)2 are not proper subjects for a declaratory judgment, we vacate the September 22, 2004 judgment and the aforesaid findings, conclusions, and order and remand the case to the court to enter summary judgment in favor of the County on its motion and in favor of the State on its join-der to the County’s motion and to enter judgment thereon on the grounds set forth herein.
I.
On May 28, 2004, Plaintiffs filed a complaint under the provisions of HRS § 632-1 (1993),3 asking the court to enter a declaratory judgment to the effect that coekfighting is a native Hawaiian customary right protected pursuant to article XII, section 7 of the State Constitution 4 and HRS § 7-1 (1993).5 Plaintiffs named the State and the County as parties in the suit. Cockfighting is prohibited under State6 and County7 laws. Plain[232]*232tiffs have not been charged with a criminal offense.
In the complaint, Plaintiffs represented that they are descendants of native Hawaiians who inhabited the Hawaiian Islands pri- or to 1778. They further asserted that cockfighting is a “traditional native Hawaiian cultural practice.” Plaintiffs requested “entry of adjudgment declaring, determining, and resolving Plaintiffs’ legal status, rights and privileges” and “entry of judgment declaring that Plaintiffs have the right to practice raising and fighting roosters as part of their culture.”
On July 16,2004, the County filed a motion to dismiss Plaintiffs’ complaint for lack of jurisdiction. The County argued that Plaintiffs failed to “allege an ‘actual controversy’ ” because Plaintiffs failed to plead that they have either been charged with or convicted of violations pursuant to State or County laws, and, therefore, the court was “depriv[ed]” of subject matter jurisdiction. The County also argued that “[e]ven if the [cjourt had jurisdiction, Plaintiffs’ [cjomplaint fails to state a claim upon which relief may be granted.”
On July 22, 2004, the State filed a substantive joinder in the County’s Hawaii Rules of Civil Procedure (HRCP) Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss (joinder). The State asked the court to treat the County’s motion to dismiss as one for summary judgment pursuant to HRCP Rules 12(c) and 66 (2004)8 because the County’s motion to dismiss included matters outside of the pleadings.
On August 19, 2004, Plaintiffs filed a memorandum in opposition to both the County’s motion to dismiss and the State’s joinder, arguing that (1) by virtue of HRS § 632-1, infra, the court has jurisdiction to grant declaratory relief for (a) “[cjontroversies involving the interpretation of ... statutes, municipal ordinances, and other governmental regulations (b) when “antagonistic claims are present between the parties which indicate imminent and inevitable litigation,” or (e) “where the court is satisfied that a party asserts a legal[ j relation, status, right, or privilege ... and that there is a challenge ... by an adversary party who also has or asserts a concrete interest therein, and the court is satisfied also that a declaratory judgment will serve to terminate the uncertainty or controversy giving rise to the proceeding^]” (2) Plaintiffs’ action is ripe, (3) Plaintiffs have standing, and (4) the complaint does state a claim. In a declaration, Plaintiff Kahaikupuna stated that although he has never been charged with or convicted of a crime, he faces the “real, immediate and adverse threat of criminal prosecution ... for practicing the traditional Hawaiian custom of coekfighting[,j” and that the threat is a “serious threat which impacts my life as well as the lives of the members of my family.”
On August 31, 2004, the court issued its findings, conclusions, and order granting Defendants’ motion to dismiss. The court determined that as a matter of law (1) it had jurisdiction over the subject matter of the action and Plaintiffs had standing, (2) the claims were ripe in that competing interests were likely to lead to litigation if Plaintiffs should attempt to exercise their claimed rights, (3) the motion to dismiss should be decided under the provisions of Rule 56 of the HRCP, rather than under Rule 12 because there were matters presented to the court that were outside the pleadings, and (4) summary judgment should be granted against Plaintiffs on the merits.9
[233]*233Plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal on September 27, 2004.
II.
On appeal, Plaintiffs contend that the court erred in ruling that (1) raising and fighting roosters was not a customary traditional practice of Native Hawaiians, despite substantial and uncontested evidence in the record to the contrary, or at least there was a genuine issue of fact as to the existence of such a practice, (2) pursuant to chapter 24 of the Kingdom of Hawai'i Penal Code enacted in 1884, raising and fighting roosters was not a right customarily and traditionally exercised for subsistence or cultural purposes by native Hawaiians, and (3) such a right is not protected by article XII, section 7 of the Hawai'i Constitution. Plaintiffs state that they make “no contention that any of the existing state laws regarding cockfighting were unconstitutional” and they “do not ask for declaration that any state or county laws were unconstitutional.”
In response, the State argues that (1) summary judgment was proper because cockfighting is not a constitutionally or statutorily protected Native Hawaiian customary right, (2) summary judgment was correct because Plaintiffs have not set forth specific facts to show that there are any genuine issues of material fact, (3) the court properly ruled that the State exercised its constitutional right to regulate Native Hawaiian customary practices, and (4) declaratory judgment is improper because the issue of whether cockfighting is a Native Hawaiian customary right is not ripe for review.
The County agrees with the State’s first and second arguments and also contends that (1) chapter 24 of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s penal code outlawed more than merely keeping or managing a place used for cockfighting, (2) neither the County nor the State prohibits the raising of roosters, (3) there are no disputed material facts, and (4) Plaintiffs have failed to overcome the presumption that the County’s anti-cockfighting ordinances are valid.
In requesting a declaratory judgment as to whether cockfighting is a protected native Hawaiian right, Plaintiffs urge this court to “determine their rights prior to having to suffer actual criminal prosecution, which is threatened and imminent.” Because we believe Plaintiffs’ request is not appropriate for a declaratory judgment action, we affirm summary judgment on behalf of the State and County, but on different grounds. See [234]*234Waianae Model Neighborhood Area Ass’n v. City & County of Honolulu, 55 Haw. 40, 43, 514 P.2d 861, 864 (1973); McCarthy v. Yempuku, 5 Haw.App. 45, 52, 678 P.2d 11, 16 (1984) (holding that an appellate court may affirm a grant of summary judgment on any ground appearing in the record, even if the circuit court did not rely on it).
III.
It is evident, as mentioned above in Plaintiffs’ complaint, that they sought a declaratory judgment because of a perceived threat of criminal prosecution. The complaint was filed under the provisions of the Declaratory Judgments Act, HRS § 632-1, which states:
In cases of actual controversy, courts of record, within the scope of their respective jurisdictions, shall have power to make binding adjudications of right, whether or not consequential relief is, or at the time could be, claimed, and no action or proceeding shall be open to objection on the ground that a judgment or order merely declaratory of right is prayed for; provided that declaratory relief may not be obtained in any district court, or in any controversy with respect to taxes, or in any case where a divorce or annulment of marriage is sought. Controversies involving the interpretation of deeds, wills, other instruments of writing, statutes, municipal ordinances, and other governmental regulations, may be so determined, and this enumeration does not exclude other instances of actual antagonistic assertion and denial of right.
Relief by declaratory judgment may be granted in civil cases where an actual controversy exists between contending parties, or where the court is satisfied that antagonistic claims are present between the parties involved which indicate imminent and inevitable litigation, or where in any such case the court is satisfied that a party asserts a legal relation, status, right, or privilege in which the party has a concrete interest and that there is a challenge or denial of the asserted relation, status, right, or privilege by an adversary party who also has or asserts a concrete interest therein, and the court is satisfied also that a declaratory judgment will serve to terminate the uncertainty or controversy giving rise to the proceeding. Where, however, a statute provides a special form of remedy for a specific type of case, that statutory remedy shall be followed; but the mere fact that an actual or threatened controversy is susceptible of relief through a general common law remedy, a remedy equitable in nature, or an extraordinary legal remedy, whether such remedy is recognized or regulated by statute or not, shall not debar a party from the privilege of obtaining a declaratory judgment in any case where the other essentials to such relief are present.
(Emphasis added.)
Plaintiffs argue that HRS § 632-1 provides them with the right to seek declaratory judgment where “[cjontroversies involving the interpretation of ... statutes, municipal ordinances, and other government regulations, may be so determined.” Plaintiffs also rely on Pires v. Phillips, 31 Haw. 720, 721 (Terr.1930), in which this court ruled that it was proper to grant declaratory relief concerning the meaning of lease terms when the dispute between the parties concerning their respective rights depended on the interpretation of the lease itself.
On the other hand, the State and County contend that under Pacific Meat Co. v. Otagaki, 47 Haw. 652, 655, 394 P.2d 618, 620 (1964), a declaratory judgment is not ordinarily available to challenge the validity of a criminal statute, and that the circumstances in this case do not warrant equitable relief particularly because there are other adequate remedies of law, such as defending a criminal prosecution. The State asserts that the criminal court would be in a better position to resolve all of the constitutional and legal questions that may arise concerning Hawaiian ancestry, coekfighting as a traditional native Hawaiian practice, and other questions relating to an actual criminal charge.
The State also relies on League of Women Voters of Hawaii v. Doi, 57 Haw. 213, 552 P.2d 1392 (1976). In that case the plaintiff sought a declaratory judgment on whether defendant elections officer was required by [235]*235the Hawai'i State Constitution to place the question of whether there should be a constitutional convention on the 1976 general election ballot. The issue became moot when the legislature submitted the question to the electorate to be voted on at the 1976 general election. The circuit court dismissed the case on summary judgment. On appeal, the plaintiff agreed that the issue was moot but contended that the interpretation of the constitutional provision as to future years remained unresolved. This court dismissed the appeal, declining to “decide important questions regarding the scope and constitutionality of a particular case in advance of its immediate adverse effect in the context of a particular case.” Id. at 214, 552 P.2d at 1393 (citations, brackets and quotation marks omitted).
IV.
In the instant ease, the court determined in conclusion no. 3 that “[HRS] chapter 632 ... allows for judicial resolution by means of declaratory judgment.” Further, the court in conclusion no. 4 noted that “declaratory judgment will serve to terminate any uncertainty relative to the claim that eockfighting is a cultural and traditional native Hawaiian right protected under the Hawai'i Constitution.”
Generally, courts have been hesitant to employ declaratory relief as to criminal matters. There are two general views as to the propriety of declaratory relief with respect to criminal matters. W.E. Shipley, Validity, Construction, and Application of Criminal Statutes or Ordinances as Proper for Declaratory Judgment, 10 A.L.R.3d 727, 1966 WL 15425 (2004). The first view is the traditional one, that declarative relief is inappropriate as to criminal matters. Id. See also Schwartz v. O’Connell, 124 N.Y.S.2d 397 (N.Y.Sup.Ct.1953) (noting that a court will not grant declaratory judgment where its effect will be to restrain criminal prosecution, or to interfere with the enforcement of criminal law, particularly when facts are in dispute or open to different interpretations); Witschner v. City of Atchison, 154 Kan. 212, 117 P.2d 570 (1941) (holding that declaratory judgments should not be used as a restraint against criminal action).
The second view many jurisdictions have taken is that declarative relief should be limited to certain circumstances. This approach essentially incorporates the traditional view, but allows for certain exceptions. We have accepted such an approach. In Pacific Meat Co., this court adopted the “Missouri rule” stated as follows:
[T]he use of a declaratory judgment rests in the sound judicial discretion of the court, depending on the circumstances; ... that form of relief is usually unnecessary where a full and adequate remedy is provided by another well-known form of action; ... the purpose of a declaratory judgment is to serve some practical end in quieting or stabilizing an uncertain or disputed jural relation either as to present or prospective obligations; ... ordinarily it cannot be utilized as a device to circumvent the general rule that equity will not enjoin the enforcement of a valid criminal statute; neither will it be used to determine in advance precise rights existing between the public and law violators on particular facts where no special circumstances require it.
47 Haw. at 655, 394 P.2d at 620 (emphases added) (quoting Liberty Mut. Ins. Co. v. Jones,10 344 Mo. 932, 130 S.W.2d 945, 953 (1939)). See also Reed v. Littleton, 275 N.Y. 150, 9 N.E.2d 814, 815 (1937) (stating that “[t]he rule has been firmly established that [the court] will not ordinarily intervene to enjoin the enforcement of the law by the [236]*236prosecuting officials ... unless under proper circumstances there would be irreparable injury, and the sole question involved is one of law ... where a clear legal right to the relief is established! ]” (internal citations omitted)).
In Pacific Meat Co., the plaintiff filed a bill in equity to enjoin the defendants from enforcing an act requiring labels to be affixed to all poultry and poultry products. The action was dismissed on the basis that “plaintiffs had an adequate remedy of law, ie., defending a criminal prosecution.” Pacific Meat Co., 47 Haw. at 654, 394 P.2d at 619 (emphasis added). The plaintiffs then refused to comply with the labeling requirements and were twice served with violation notices. Id. However, the defendants declined to bring criminal proceedings against the plaintiffs. Id. The plaintiffs then brought a suit for declaratory judgment to determine whether the act was unconstitutional.
In light of the defendant’s adamant refusal to provide another “full and adequate remedy” to determine the plaintiffs’ rights, this court allowed declaratory relief. Id. at 656, 394 P.2d at 621. After approving the “Missouri rule” quoted above, it was concluded that declaratory relief would be available under the circumstances. Identifying those circumstances, this court said that “the statute is malum prohibitum, [11] it affects a continuing course of business, and a method of testing the statute was not in fact available in the criminal court because the predecessors of the defendant refused to bring criminal proceedings.” Id. at 656, 394 P.2d at 620.
V.
As in the case of Pacific Meat Co., courts have permitted declaratory relief in criminal matters where property rights have been directly affected, especially if a continuing course of business is involved. See Sun Oil Co. v. Dir. of the Div. on the Necessaries of Life, 340 Mass. 235, 163 N.E.2d 276 (1960) (declaratory relief granted when ongoing business relations affected); Stecher v. Houston, 272 S.W.2d 925 (Tex.Civ.App.1954) (dismissing action for the stated reason that the validity of a criminal statute, without vested property rights involved, is exclusively in the criminal courts jurisdiction); and Doyle v. Clark, 220 Ind. 271, 41 N.E.2d 949 (1942) (allowing declaratory judgment to determine the constitutionality of a penal statute which affects business or occupation), app. dismd., 317 U.S. 590, 63 S.Ct. 52, 87 L.Ed. 483.
On the other hand, it has also long been established that declaratory relief is not appropriate for criminal matters “where a full and adequate remedy is provided by another well-known form of action,” particularly by testing the statute in a criminal proceeding. Pacific Meat Co., 47 Haw. at 655, 394 P.2d at 620. Of the three factors set forth in Pacific Meat Co., only one arguably exists in this case, which is that the ordinance and statute against cockfighting are malum prohibitum.
VI.
Plaintiffs’ request for declaratory relief does not involve a continuing course of business, as in Pacific Meat Co. See Lane-Marvey Corp. v. McCaffrey, 204 Misc. 166, 119 N.Y.S.2d 830, 833 (N.Y.Sup.Ct.) (noting that “[wjhere the dominant purpose is to obtain immunity from criminal prosecution declaratory relief is unwarranted and interferes with the administration and enforcement of the laws! ]”), aff'd, 282 A.D. 1013, 126 N.Y.S.2d 197, app den., 283 A.D. 655, 127 N.Y.S.2d 809 (1954). And unlike in Pacific Meat Co., where the defendants refused to bring criminal proceedings, Plaintiffs do not argue or demonstrate facts indicating that they are in a similar situation but, rather, aver to the contrary. Therefore, we conclude that this case lacks the special circumstances akin to considerations in Pacific Meat Co. that would warrant declarative action.12
[237]*237VIL
While criminal proceedings may be inconvenient and costly, we agree with the State that it is the best forum to resolve all of the factual, statutory and constitutional questions that may arise in this case. Cf. State v. Kaneakua, 61 Haw. 136, 142, 597 P.2d 590, 593 (1979) (where defendants had stipulated to participating in cockfighting, HRS § 711-1109(1)(d) (1965 Repl.), pertaining to cruelty to animals, encompassed gamecocks and cockfighting but this court would not decide hypothetical cases “as applied to other persons in situations not before the court”).
The relief that Plaintiffs request is essentially one of injunctive relief and would prohibit the State and County from enforcing HRS § 711-1109(1) and MCC § 9.08.010 against them. Such an injunction would greatly interfere with the enforcement of the law, especially in the determination of who should or should not be prosecuted. A declarative judgement in favor of Plaintiffs in this context would likely hinder enforcement of what are presumptively valid laws. See State v. Adler, 108 Hawai'i 169, 177, 118 P.3d 652, 660 (2005) (recognizing that “this court has consistently held that every enactment of the legislature is presumptively constitutional, and a party challenging the statute has the burden of showing unconstitutionality beyond a reasonable doubt”); State v. Kam, 69 Haw. 483, 495, 748 P.2d 372, 380 (1988) (confirming that “[ejvery enactment of the Hawaii Legislature is presumptively constitutional, and the party challenging a statute has the burden of showing the alleged unconstitutionality beyond a reasonable doubt[ ]”). As noted above, declaratory relief will not ordinarily be employed to determine the enforcement of criminal statutes, and in the absence of the particular circumstances like those in Pacific Meat Co., we believe it is inappropriate here.13
YIII.
For the foregoing reasons, the court’s September 22, 2004 judgment and its August 31, 2004 findings, conclusions, and order granting Defendants’ motion to dismiss complaint are vacated and the case is remanded to the court with instructions to (1) enter summary judgment in favor of the County on its motion and in favor of the State on its joinder to the County’s motion and (2) enter judgment therein, in accordance with this opinion.