Your Comprehensive Guide to Hawaii Public Records

Hawaii Public Records

Public records in Hawaii comprise documents and information held by state and local government entities, made accessible to the public under the Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA). The UIPA, codified in Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 92F, outlines the public's right to access government records, subject to specific privacy and public interest concerns exemptions. Visiting Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act can provide a comprehensive understanding of the UIPA.

Are Hawaii Records Public?

Yes, records in Hawaii are public. The Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act ensures that most government records are open to the public, with specific exemptions outlined in the law. For additional information on public records in Hawaii, visit the Hawaii Office of Information Practices.

What do Hawaii Public Records Include?

Public records in Hawaii include, but are not limited to:

• Vital Records: Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records are maintained by the Hawaii Department of Health. Detailed information can be found at Hawaii Vital Records.
• Property Records: Information on property ownership and assessments, available through County Real Property Tax offices, like the City and County of Honolulu Real Property Assessment Division.
• Criminal Records: Managed by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center, offering criminal history record checks. Visit the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center.
• Court Records include records from civil and criminal court cases, accessible through the Hawaii State Judiciary. Information can be found at Hawaii State Judiciary.
• Business Records: The Hawaii Business Registration Division oversees business filings and registrations. Detailed information is available at the Hawaii Business Registration Division.

How to Find Public Records in Hawaii

To locate public records in Hawaii, one should:

1. Identify the Record Type: Understand the specific record needed, such as a property record or a birth certificate.
2. Locate the Appropriate Agency: Different types of records are maintained by various departments. For example, vital records are available through the Hawaii Department of Health.
3. Submit a Request: Each agency typically has a process for requesting records, usually done online, in person, or by mail.
4. Follow the Agency's Guidelines: Adhere to the requirements set by the agency, including completing forms and providing necessary identification.
5. Pay Any Required Fees: Some records may involve fees for processing or copying.
6. Wait for Processing: There may be a processing period before the records are provided.

For more detailed guidance, visit the Hawaii Office of Information Practices.

Lookup Public Records in Hawaii

Key departments in Hawaii related to Public Records include:

• Hawaii Department of Health: For vital records like birth and death certificates. Visit Hawaii Vital Records.
• County Real Property Tax Offices: For property records, such as the City and County of Honolulu Real Property Assessment Division.
• Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center: For criminal records and background checks. More information at Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center.
• Hawaii State Judiciary: For court records. See Hawaii State Judiciary.
• Hawaii Business Registration Division: For business records. Check out the Hawaii Business Registration Division.