Your Comprehensive Guide to Hawaii Public Records
Hawaii Public Records
Hawaii Public Records refer to a broad category of documents, files, and other stored information maintained by state and local government agencies in the State of Hawaii. These records generally include reports, evaluations, meeting minutes, and other official materials that reflect the activities and decisions of public agencies. Access to such records is overseen through legislation designed to ensure transparency, bolster public confidence in government, and allow residents, businesses, and researchers to gain insights into governmental operations.
Are Hawaii Records Public?
Under Hawaii law, most government records are presumed to be available for public inspection and copying. The guiding statute is the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), codified in Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 92F. This presumption of openness means that Hawaii records are typically public unless a specific legal exemption applies. Certain types of documents are withheld from disclosure in order to protect individual privacy, security and law enforcement investigations, proprietary business information, or other sensitive data.
What Information Is Included in Hawaii Public Records?
Hawaii Public Records may include:
• Government financial statements or budgets.
• Agency policies and directives.
• Public meeting agendas and minutes.
• Records on legislative bills and resolutions.
• Organizational charts and departmental reports.
• Permits, licenses, and qualifications issued by state agencies.
• Property records, such as land titles and tax assessments.
The materials contained in public records can vary from one agency to another. Individuals researching vital statistics or historical material may consult archives that store documents going back decades or even centuries, while those interested in current affairs can access newly updated electronic databases maintained by government departments.
What Does the Hawaii Public Records Law Do?
The Hawaii Public Records Law, primarily governed by the UIPA (HRS § 92F), establishes a framework that ensures public access to records of state and county agencies. Key functions of the law include:
• Requiring agencies to provide information to individuals requesting access, subject to limited exceptions.
• Directing agencies to adopt rules regulating the process of making records available.
• Mandating timely responses to requests, within a reasonable timeframe.
• Allowing for the redaction or partial withholding of records if release could invade privacy or compromise ongoing investigations.
• Providing mechanisms for appeals and legal remedies if a request for information is denied.
How To Find Public Records in Hawaii in 2025
In 2025, the State of Hawaii continues to modernize its records management and archiving systems, expanding online access to a variety of government documents. Interested parties are advised to:
- Identify the relevant agency or department based on the nature of the record sought.
- Visit the agency’s official website to locate online databases, digital archives, or fillable request forms.
- When online records are not available, submit a formal written request to the applicable office, referencing the sections of law (e.g., HRS Chapter 92F) that govern public records access.
- Check for any applicable fees, processing times, or limitations on use.
- Keep track of deadlines by which the agency must respond, generally within 10 business days, unless circumstances warrant an extension.
A request can also be made in person at an agency’s public counter. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm location, operating hours, and any preliminary requirements (e.g., request forms, identification).
Does Hawaii Have Free Public Records?
Some categories of records are available free of charge, especially if they are posted online or displayed publicly at government offices. However, fees may be assessed in the following circumstances:
• Searching for records that are not readily accessible online.
• Redacting confidential information, which can involve staff time.
• Copying or duplicating large volumes of documents.
• Mailing or transmitting certified copies.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records in Hawaii?
Agencies are authorized under HRS § 92F-42 and corresponding administrative rules to recuperate reasonable fees related to record retrieval, review, and reproduction. Typical costs include:
• Search Fees: Agencies may charge a rate based on staff time spent locating the files.
• Review and Redaction Fees: Charges may apply when officials must review and redact confidential information, typically calculated on a per-hour basis beyond a certain threshold.
• Duplication Fees: Photocopies or printouts often cost between $0.25 and $0.50 per page, though rates can vary by department.
• Certification Fees: When a certified copy is requested, a standard certification fee may be added.
Agencies are required to inform requesters of estimated fees in advance. Payment is often expected before records are released.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain Public Records in Hawaii?
The UIPA directs agencies to respond to requests within 10 business days whenever possible. Factors that can impact the actual processing time include the scope of the request, the complexity of redacting personal or confidential information, and the volume of documents involved. In certain cases, an agency may request an extension if staff requires more time to conduct the necessary redactions or reviews.
When requesting time-sensitive information, it is advised to specify the urgency in the application. While some agencies can expedite processing, individuals should anticipate the standard timeframe to avoid delays.
What Records Are Confidential In Hawaii?
Certain categories of records are explicitly exempted from public disclosure under Hawaii law. Examples include:
• Medical and mental health records.
• Certain personal identifying information, such as Social Security numbers.
• Ongoing criminal investigation files.
• Trade secrets or proprietary data submitted by private businesses to government agencies.
• Confidential attorney-client communications.
• Law enforcement records protected for public safety or privacy reasons.
These exemptions are designed to protect personal privacy, uphold due process, and maintain the integrity of law enforcement and governmental proceedings.
Who Has the Right To Request Public Records in Hawaii
Under the UIPA, any person may request access to public records, including individuals who are not residents of Hawaii. There is no requirement to demonstrate a specific legal interest or formal standing in the matter. Journalists, students, businesses, and private citizens all have an equal right under the law to submit formal record requests to any state or county agency.
What Can Be Done With Public Records in Hawaii
Public records in Hawaii can be used for a variety of lawful purposes, including but not limited to:
• Researching the legislative and administrative history of state and local regulations.
• Reviewing government expenditures, operational decisions, and oversight.
• Conducting academic or policy-related research.
• Verifying or correcting personal information.
• Preparing legal arguments or documentation for litigation.
Appropriate use of public records often supports greater transparency and fosters community collaboration by making government actions comprehensible and scrutinizable.
Key Agencies and Departments for Public Records in Hawaii
Different agencies and departments oversee various categories of Hawaii Public Records. Below is a list of key offices, along with their principal addresses, public counter hours, main telephone numbers, and a link to each official website.
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Hawaii Office of Information Practices
250 S. Hotel Street, Suite 107
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Phone Number: (808) 586-1400
Public Counter Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Official Website: Hawaii Office of Information Practices -
Hawaii State Judiciary
417 S. King Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Phone Number: (808) 539-4910
Public Counter Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Official Website: Hawaii State Judiciary -
Hawaii Department of Health
1250 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Phone Number: (808) 586-4400
Public Counter Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Official Website: Hawaii Department of Health -
Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
335 Merchant Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Phone Number: (808) 587-3222
Public Counter Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Official Website: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs -
Honolulu Police Department
801 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Phone Number: (808) 529-3111
Public Counter Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Official Website: Honolulu Police Department
These agencies are representative of the principal offices that maintain and distribute state records. Depending on the request, other departments, such as the Department of Taxation, Department of Land and Natural Resources, or county-level offices, may also be relevant.
How to Appeal a Denied Public Records Request in Hawaii
The UIPA provides for an appeals process if a requester’s application for records is partially or fully denied. Steps to appeal may include:
- Requesting an internal administrative review within the agency itself.
- Filing an appeal with the Hawaii Office of Information Practices (OIP).
- Providing detailed explanations or additional information supporting the right to access.
- If OIP upholds the denial, petitioning the courts for judicial remedy, as permitted under HRS § 92F.
Individuals should ensure that any appeals are filed within the deadlines set forth by OIP guidelines or court rules. The agency’s denial letter typically provides instructions for initiating an appeal.
Difference Between Federal and Hawaii Public Records
The federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) governs access to records maintained by federal agencies, whereas the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA) focuses on records held by state and county entities in Hawaii. Although both laws share the goal of facilitating public access, there are substantive differences in scope and procedures:
• Jurisdiction: FOIA applies to federal executive branch agencies, while UIPA applies to Hawaii’s state and local agencies.
• Processing Timeframes: FOIA maintains a standard response time that may differ from the 10 business-day period set forth in the UIPA.
• Exemptions: Although similar in concept (both protect personal privacy, law enforcement files, and certain governmental deliberations), specific headings and rules for exemptions can vary.
• Appeals Mechanisms: FOIA appeals typically go through an administrative process with each federal agency, while UIPA appeals in Hawaii are often addressed initially by the OIP and may proceed to state courts if necessary.
Individuals seeking Hawaii Public Records should direct requests to state or county agencies under the UIPA, while those needing federal records are advised to submit FOIA requests to the appropriate federal agency.