Public records in Hawaii are affairs of the government and the average citizen and are available for the public to explore. Although, not all papers and data are readily at one’s disposal without limits.
Public records in Hawaii exceed 13 million open files. These files include malefactor data, court information, and vital individual information. Licensing papers, statistical facts, budgets, reports, meeting minutes, and documents about voting are equally open to all in Hawaii. Your average joe can walk into any of the government agencies to make inquiries on various things. The law permits citizens of Hawaii to access data held in government offices.
Accessing Criminal/Arrest Records in Hawaii
Criminal records are details on adult criminal convictions (arrests that have resulted in a guilty verdict). The data of an apprehended person who is yet to be convicted is kept private. Correspondingly, facts about a pending case are not within public reach. This limitation is so because such details under investigation are considered restricted. Adult Criminal Conviction Information Center (eCrim) helps you find details about convicted adults in the State of Hawaii. The department of the attorney general of the State services this website.
The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC) provides malefactor background record checks typically referred to in Hawaii as Police Clearance or Police Abstract. You can examine the past of a malefactor using the felon’s name or biometric data. You may request over the internet to get an immediate criminal past clearance.
Some offices do not accept printouts gotten over the internet for security clearances. So, depending on the body requiring your data, you might have to solicit by mail. Interested entities may mail requests and payments ($30.00 fee for each data check treated by the unit) to the CHRC Unit.Contact/Mailing address are as follows:
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
Department of the Attorney General
Attn: CHRC Unit
465 S. King Street, Room 102
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808)587-3279
You can also use the Public Access Sites listed in the criminal justice data center to find locations where apprehension records have led to convictions. If you cannot visit the listed physical contact centers, you can get the same information at the eCrim website.
Sex Offender Registry in Hawaii
Hawaii operates a malefactor history information system that covers the entire State. You can find any fact regarding justice at The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC). The HCJDC is accountable for the system that keeps tabs on the past offenses of felons (CJIS-Hawaii). Also within the purview of the HCJDC is the system that automatically identifies biometric data in law enforcement databases (AFIS). The Adult Criminal Conviction Information Web Site (eCrim) and the State’s Sex law violators registry are also under the HCJDC. You can perform a search online for facts on sex offenders using a portal provided by HCJDC. You can also sign up for alerts to notify you when a sex offender moves in near you or an offender already in your area via the HCJDC portal. Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center also allows you to download the Sex Offender and Other Covered Offender Registry Bulk Data for $100 per download.
Inmates Records
Inmate records contain facts on incarcerated persons all over Hawaii.
This information may include DOC numbers, bails/bond amounts, sentences, and court release dates. The Public Safety Department’s Corrections Division maintains inmate data. Online searches of inmates are not available. However, you can get documented facts on an inmate by contacting the facility in person. Alternatively, you can reach the corrections division via phone call or by sending a mail to:
Correction Division
P.O. Box 1642
Kaneohe, HI 96744
Phone: (808) 677-6638
Fax: (808) 488-4999
Inmate Classification Phone: (808) 587-2567
Mainland Branch Phone: (808) 837-8020
Fax: (808) 837-8026
Apart from the Corrections Division, The Department of Public Safety equally gives the public access to the Law enforcement Division and the Administrative Division via its website.
Vital Records in Hawaii
Vital records in Hawaii are certificates of events like birth, death, marital unions, a divorce that occurred in the State. These data groups are received and kept by the Office of Health Status Monitoring. The Health Status Monitoring division is a unit of the Hawaii State Department of Health. Ordering, as well as follow-up of vital records in Hawaii, has been made easy for everyone. Order and track vital records via an online platform organized by the Hawaii Department of Health. Information on how to order, fees attached to certified copies, and how to use the service are all available on the site.
As far as the charges go, the first certificate copy for vital records costs $10.00. Extra copies of the same file cost $4.00 apiece.
Note that there is a $2.50 portal administration fee. A portal administration fee is a charge for each increment of up to five record copies. Please note that these charges apply whether or not you find the requested vital record. You can contact the Hawaii State Health Department at:
State Department of Health
Office of Health Status Monitoring
Vital Records Section
P.O. Box 3378
Honolulu, HI 96801-9984
Phone: (808) 586-4533
Note that for mail delivery, the average processing time to receive results is 54 business days. For a copy of divorce records, contact the court in State or County where the divorce occurred. You can also send a mail for inquiry to: [email protected].
Property/Land Records
The Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances has the responsibility to keep records of deeds and encumbrances. The conveyances agency also keeps records of real estate transactions conducted within the State. When there is a deed transfer for a piece of real estate between parties, it is known as conveyance. Encumbrances are financial debts like mortgages secured by the property owner. You can access the online services of the Conveyance Bureau and obtain records through its official website. Interested persons can order documents over the internet by logging onto a platform provided by the bureau. You can also schedule a visit to the BOC with Public Research/Reference Room #123 online. Carry out public research and make search references by visiting the Bureau of Conveyances on working days from 7:45 AM – to 4: 30 PM at:
Bureau of Conveyances
Kalanimoku Building
1151 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Telephone: (808) 587-0147
Mailing Address
P. O. Box 2867
Honolulu, HI 96803
Business Records in Hawaii
The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs maintains matters regarding business in the State of Hawaii. The Business Registration Division (BREG) of the Commerce Department has sections for stored data, file processing, and record-keeping. Under the record-keeping section, you can find the business records you may seek. BREG keeps the State’s Business Registry for Limited Liability Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships, Corporations, etc. The registry also contains filings for trade names, trademarks, service marks, and publicity rights. You can get started on business records data or begin your business registration using the Hawaii business Express portal.
You can run an easy business search over the internet to find a registered business within the State of Hawaii through a portal provided by the state government. Most documents and filings are available for purchase at $33.00, and certified copies at $10.00. COGS (Certificate of Good Standing) cost $7.50 (printed or electronic). Contact the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs by visiting the office at:
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Business Registration Division
King Kalakaua Building
335 Merchant Street, Rm. 201
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Mailing Address:
Business Registration Division
P.O. Box 40
Honolulu, Hawaii 96810
Phone/Fax Numbers: (808) 586-2727 (Document Registration)
(808) 586-2744
Fax: (808) 586-2733
Email: [email protected]
In Conclusion
Public records commonly get requested in Hawaii. Much of these files, recordings, photographs, and documents electronic and otherwise are available for free and others for a fee. However, any document or record without restriction by the court based on specific laws is available. Exploration of these public records by the general public is possible through the Uniform Information Practice Act of Hawaii. Most online platforms for records within reach online are user-friendly and not difficult to access.