Find Hawaii Public Records

Is Hawaii a Public Records State?

Yes, Hawaii is a public records state. Under the Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act, records generated or maintained by government agencies are generally accessible to the public. These records include documents in written, auditory, visual, electronic, or other physical forms. Public access is granted unless the records are specifically exempted by law.

Government agencies in Hawaii often have established procedures to assist individuals in obtaining public records. When submitting requests under the Public Records Act, individuals can either perform a free public data search or request copies of records from the designated custodians.

What is Public Information in Hawaii?

Public information in Hawaii encompasses a wide range of records, including:

Court records
Criminal records
Property records or records of judicial proceedings maintained by probate or land courts
Selected vital records (note that some vital records are exempt from public disclosure under state statutes).

How Do I Look Up Public Records in Hawaii?

To look up public records in Hawaii, follow these steps:

Identify the Specific Record
Determine the specific record you wish to access, such as public vital records. This decision will guide your subsequent actions and may influence your eligibility to access the records. Decide whether you want to inspect the records or obtain copies. Note that custodians are not required to provide records in a format different from how they are maintained, nor are they obligated to create compilations or conduct research to fulfill requests. Inspection is generally free, but obtaining copies may incur fees.
Locate the Record Custodian
Once you have identified the record, locate the custodian responsible for maintaining it. Only the agency that holds the record is legally required to provide it. Agencies typically have designated officials to handle public records requests and are required to inform the public about the procedures for accessing records. If necessary, contact the relevant public agency to inquire about the custodian, the process for obtaining records, and any applicable fees. Section 92F-18 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes mandates public agencies to publicize their records and submit this information to the Office of Information Practices.
Submit a Request for the Record
Submit your request to the appropriate custodian, either in writing or orally, though written requests are recommended for tracking purposes and as evidence if judicial remedies are needed. Include your name, contact information, and address, along with sufficient details for the custodian to locate the record. Requests can be made in person, by mail, by email, or through other approved means. The custodian may deny the request if the record cannot be reasonably located based on the information provided.

Utilizing Third-Party Resources for Hawaii Public Records Obtaining

Third-party resources can be useful for obtaining Hawaii public records, especially when the records are maintained online. These resources might include:

The sex offender registry maintained by the Department of the Attorney General.
The case records search system maintained by the judiciary.
The Land Records Management System provided by the Bureau of Conveyance.

How To Look Up Public Records in Hawaii for Free?

To look up public records in Hawaii for free, use online databases maintained by government agencies. While not all records are available for free, some online resources allow free access, such as the sex offender registry and the judiciary’s case records search system.

To minimize costs for records not available for free, consider inspecting the records rather than obtaining copies. Inspection usually incurs only the search fee, without the additional cost of copies. Additionally, taking photos or videos of the records during inspection can further reduce expenses. If the disclosure serves the public interest, you may be able to convince the custodian to waive fees.

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