Hawaii Arrest Records

Hawaii Public Records /Hawaii Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Hawaii?

Yes. Arrest records in Hawaii are generally considered public documents under the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), HRS Chapter 92F, which mandates that government records are open to inspection unless otherwise restricted by law). Specifically, arrest records that resulted in convictions—including acquittals or dismissals—are accessible to the public via designated public access sites and the Adult Criminal Conviction Information (eCrim) portal, maintained by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC).

Nevertheless, access is limited. Arrest records that did not result in convictions, or those still pending, are confidential and not available to the general public. Only criminal justice agencies and statutorily authorized entities (e.g., the Department of Human Services for child-care vetting) may access non-conviction records.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Hawaii?

Access to arrest records in Hawaii is primarily governed by the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), Chapter 92F of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. Enacted in 1988, this comprehensive open records law establishes the public's right to access government records, including those related to arrests and criminal history.

Key provisions of the UIPA regarding arrest records include:

HRS §92F-12(a)(8) specifically designates information about arrests as public records that must be disclosed upon request
HRS §92F-13 outlines exceptions to disclosure, including records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or could impair ongoing law enforcement proceedings
HRS §92F-14 defines what constitutes a significant privacy interest

Additionally, Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 2, Chapter 71, provides detailed regulations on the implementation of the UIPA.

Other relevant laws affecting access to arrest records include:

Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center statutes (HRS Chapter 846), which govern the collection and dissemination of criminal history record information
Hawaii Expungement Law (HRS Chapter 831), which provides for the expungement of arrest records under certain circumstances
Federal regulations, including the Privacy Act of 1974 and 28 CFR Part 20, which establish guidelines for criminal history information systems

These laws collectively create a framework that balances the public's right to information with individual privacy rights and law enforcement needs.

What Information Is Included in a Hawaii Arrest Record?

A typical arrest record in Hawaii contains comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. The specific content may vary slightly depending on the arresting agency, but generally includes:

Biographical Information:

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Date of birth
Gender
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints
Address at time of arrest

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Booking number
Charges filed (including statute numbers)
Arrest circumstances
Weapon information (if applicable)

Case Processing Information:

Court case number
Bail or bond amount
Court appearance dates
Detention facility information
Disposition of charges (if available)

Additional Information:

Prior arrest history (may be included in comprehensive criminal history reports)
Warrant information (if the arrest was pursuant to a warrant)
Vehicle information (if relevant to the arrest)

While this information is typically collected during the arrest process, not all of it may be publicly accessible due to privacy protections and other legal restrictions. Additionally, the information available to the public may differ from what is available to law enforcement agencies or other authorized entities.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Hawaii in 2025

Obtaining arrest records in Hawaii involves several methods depending on your needs and the specific records you're seeking. The following procedures are current as of 2025:

In-Person Requests:

The primary agency for obtaining official criminal history records, including arrests, is the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC), which operates under the Department of the Attorney General.

Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
Kekuanao'a Building
465 South King Street, Room 101
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 587-3100
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center

Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM (except state holidays)

To request records in person:

Complete the Criminal History Record Check application form
Provide a valid government-issued photo ID
Pay the required fee
Submit fingerprints if requesting your own complete criminal history

By Mail:

To request arrest records by mail:

Download and complete the Criminal History Record Check application from the HCJDC website
Include a copy of your government-issued photo ID
Include payment by check or money order
Mail all materials to the HCJDC address listed above

Through County Police Departments:

Each county police department maintains records of arrests made within their jurisdiction:

Honolulu Police Department
Records Division
801 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 529-3115
Honolulu Police Department

Hawaii County Police Department
Records Section
349 Kapiolani Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 935-3311
Hawaii County Police Department

Maui Police Department
Records Section
55 Mahalani Street
Wailuku, HI 96793
Phone: (808) 244-6400
Maui Police Department

Kauai Police Department
Records Section
3990 Kaana Street, Suite 200
Lihue, HI 96766
Phone: (808) 241-1600
Kauai Police Department

Contact the specific department for their procedures and requirements for obtaining arrest records.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Hawaii

Hawaii offers several online resources for accessing arrest records, though the comprehensiveness of information varies by platform. Here are the primary online methods for finding arrest records in Hawaii in 2025:

eCrim Portal:

The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center operates the eCrim Portal, which allows users to request criminal history record checks online. This system provides the most official and comprehensive arrest record information available electronically in Hawaii.

To use eCrim:

Create an account on the portal
Submit the required information for the record check
Pay the fee using a credit card
Receive results electronically (typically within 1-3 business days)

County Booking Logs and Inmate Search:

Several counties maintain online booking logs or inmate search tools that provide information about recent arrests:

Hawaii State Judiciary eCourt Kokua:

The eCourt Kokua system provides access to court records, which often include information about arrests that led to court cases. While not a direct source of arrest records, this system can provide valuable case information following an arrest.

Sex Offender Registry:

The Hawaii Sex Offender Registry provides information about registered sex offenders, including their arrest and conviction history for qualifying offenses.

Important Considerations:

Online records may not include complete arrest history
Some records may only be available for a limited time online
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records
Official record checks through HCJDC are still required for many employment and licensing purposes

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Hawaii?

Access to arrest records in Hawaii varies based on the requester's identity and purpose. The following categories outline who can access these records and what level of information they can obtain:

General Public:

Under the Uniform Information Practices Act, members of the general public can access basic arrest information, including:

Name of the arrested individual
Age and gender
Charges filed
Date and location of arrest
Arresting agency

However, certain personal information may be redacted to protect privacy.

The Subject of the Record:

Individuals have the right to access their own complete arrest records, including information that might be redacted in public versions. This requires:

Proper identification
Submission of fingerprints for verification
Payment of applicable fees

Criminal Justice Agencies:

Law enforcement agencies, courts, prosecutors, and other criminal justice entities have comprehensive access to arrest records for official purposes, including:

Criminal investigations
Prosecution
Sentencing
Correctional supervision
Background checks for criminal justice employment

Government Licensing Agencies:

Certain government agencies responsible for professional licensing and regulation can access arrest records when authorized by law, particularly for professions involving:

Healthcare
Education
Financial services
Security services
Childcare

Employers and Volunteer Organizations:

Employers and volunteer organizations may access arrest records under specific circumstances:

When authorized by HRS §846-2.7, which lists positions eligible for criminal history checks
With written consent from the subject
For positions working with vulnerable populations (children, elderly, disabled)

Researchers and Statisticians:

Researchers may access anonymized arrest data for statistical analysis and research purposes, provided that:

Individual identities are protected
The research serves a legitimate public interest
Proper data security protocols are followed

Media Organizations:

Journalists and media outlets can access arrest information available to the general public, often using this information for news reporting on criminal incidents and public safety matters.

Access to arrest records is governed by both state and federal laws, including the UIPA and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (for certain employment purposes).

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Hawaii?

Yes, Hawaii imposes various fees for obtaining arrest records, with costs varying based on the type of request, requesting agency, and method of access. The following fee structure is current as of 2025:

Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC) Fees:

Name-based criminal history check: $30.00 Fingerprint-based criminal history check: $35.00 Expedited service (when available): Additional $10.00 Certified copies: $5.00 per certification

County Police Department Fees:

Each county police department sets its own fee schedule for arrest record requests:

Honolulu Police Department:
- Police reports: $10.00 for first 10 pages, $0.50 per additional page
- Booking photos: $15.00 per photo
Hawaii County Police Department:
- Police reports: $8.00 for first 5 pages, $1.00 per additional page
- Certified copies: Additional $3.00 per document
Maui Police Department:
- Police reports: $10.00 base fee
- Research fee: $10.00 per hour (first hour free)
Kauai Police Department:
- Police reports: $7.50 minimum fee
- Research fee: $10.00 per hour

Online Access Fees:

eCrim Portal: $30.00 per name-based check
eCourt Kokua: $3.00 per search or $125.00 for monthly subscription

Fee Waivers and Reductions:

Fee waivers or reductions may be available in certain circumstances:

For indigent individuals (proof of financial hardship required)
For certain government agencies conducting official business
For nonprofit organizations in limited circumstances

Payment Methods:

In-person: Cash, credit card, money order, or cashier's check
By mail: Money order or cashier's check
Online: Credit card or electronic check

All fees are subject to change, and additional charges may apply for special services such as notarization, certified mailing, or extensive research. It's advisable to contact the specific agency before requesting records to confirm current fees.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Hawaii

Hawaii maintains arrest records for extended periods, with retention schedules varying based on the type of record, the outcome of the case, and the maintaining agency. The following retention periods are standard practice in Hawaii as of 2025:

State-Level Record Retention:

The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC) maintains criminal history records, including arrests, according to the following general guidelines:

Felony Arrests: Permanently maintained in the state repository
Misdemeanor Arrests: Maintained for at least 10 years from the date of arrest
Petty Misdemeanor Arrests: Typically maintained for 5 years from the date of arrest
Violation-Level Arrests: Generally maintained for 3 years

County Police Department Retention:

Local police departments typically follow these retention schedules:

Arrest Reports: Maintained for a minimum of 7 years
Booking Photos and Fingerprints: Retained for the same duration as the corresponding arrest record
Investigative Reports: Retained for varying periods based on case type and status

Court Record Retention:

The Hawaii State Judiciary maintains court records related to arrests according to the following schedule:

Felony Case Records: Permanently maintained
Misdemeanor Case Records: Maintained for at least 10 years after case closure
Traffic Cases: Typically maintained for 7 years after case closure
Juvenile Records: Subject to special confidentiality and retention rules under HRS Chapter 571

Factors Affecting Retention:

Several factors can modify these standard retention periods:

Case Disposition: Records of arrests that did not lead to conviction may be eligible for earlier expungement
Court Orders: Judicial orders may require specific records to be sealed or destroyed
Special Case Types: Records related to certain offenses (e.g., sex crimes, domestic violence) may be subject to extended retention
Legal Holds: Records may be retained beyond standard periods if subject to ongoing litigation or investigation

Even when physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, electronic indices or summary information may be maintained for longer periods. Additionally, once information has entered the public domain through media reports or third-party databases, it may persist indefinitely regardless of official record retention policies.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Hawaii Arrest Records?

Hawaii law provides for certain information to be redacted or restricted from public arrest records to balance transparency with privacy and security concerns. The following categories of information are typically redacted or restricted in publicly accessible arrest records:

Personal Identifying Information:

Social Security numbers
Driver's license numbers
State ID numbers
Financial account information
Date of birth (may be partially redacted, showing only year)
Home addresses of arrestees (may be partially redacted)
Personal telephone numbers and email addresses

Sensitive Case Information:

Names and identifying information of sexual assault victims (per HRS §801D-3)
Names and identifying information of minor victims
Information about confidential informants
Details that could compromise ongoing investigations
Grand jury proceedings information
Information sealed by court order

Medical and Health Information:

Medical conditions of arrestees
Mental health information
Substance abuse treatment information
HIV status and other protected health information under HIPAA

Juvenile Information:

Arrest records of juveniles (under 18) are generally confidential under HRS §571-84
Information that would identify a juvenile arrestee in adult records

Law Enforcement Sensitive Information:

Undercover officer identities
Tactical information about law enforcement methods
Information that could compromise officer safety
Internal affairs investigations related to the arrest

Other Protected Information:

Information protected by attorney-client privilege
Information subject to other statutory privileges
Information specifically exempted by court order

The redaction of information is governed by several legal authorities, including:

Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA) exceptions under HRS §92F-13
Hawaii Rules of Evidence
Federal laws including HIPAA and the Privacy Act
Court protective orders and sealing orders

The extent of redaction may vary depending on who is requesting the records and for what purpose. Law enforcement agencies and other authorized government entities may have access to unredacted information for official purposes, while public requesters receive versions with protected information removed or obscured.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Hawaii

Hawaii law provides several mechanisms for sealing or expunging arrest records under specific circumstances. The following procedures outline how individuals can petition to have their arrest records sealed or destroyed as of 2025:

Expungement for Non-Conviction Records:

Under HRS §831-3.2, individuals may apply for expungement if:

They were arrested but not charged within 30 days
Charges were dismissed with prejudice
They were acquitted of all charges
The case resulted in a not guilty verdict

The process involves:

Obtaining and completing an Application for Expungement from the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
Providing court documentation showing case disposition
Submitting fingerprints for verification
Paying the $35.00 application fee
Submitting all materials to:

Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
Expungement Section
465 South King Street, Room 101
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 587-3100
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center

Deferred Acceptance of Guilty/No Contest Plea:

Under HRS §853-1, individuals who successfully complete a deferred acceptance period may have their records expunged by:

Filing a motion with the court that handled the case
Demonstrating compliance with all court conditions
Obtaining a court order for expungement
Submitting the court order to HCJDC for implementation

Juvenile Record Expungement:

Under HRS §571-88, juvenile arrest records may be expunged if:

The person is at least 21 years old
They have no pending proceedings in criminal or family court
They have not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor as an adult

The process requires filing a petition with the Family Court in the circuit where the arrest occurred.

Pardon Process:

In cases not eligible for statutory expungement, individuals may seek a pardon from the Governor, which may include provisions for sealing records:

Submit an application to the Hawaii Paroling Authority
Provide documentation of rehabilitation
Wait for review and recommendation to the Governor
If granted, submit the pardon to HCJDC for implementation

Important Considerations:

Expungement generally removes records from public access but may not completely destroy all records
Law enforcement agencies may still retain access to expunged records for certain purposes
Federal agencies and out-of-state entities may still have records that are not affected by Hawaii expungement orders
Some professional licensing boards and government employers may have statutory authority to access expunged records

Legal assistance is recommended for navigating the expungement process, as procedures can be complex and requirements strict.

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in Hawaii?

Hawaii law imposes significant restrictions on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and other contexts. These limitations aim to prevent discrimination against individuals with arrest histories while balancing public safety concerns. The following restrictions apply to the use of arrest records in Hawaii as of 2025:

Employment Restrictions:

Under HRS §378-2.5, employers face several limitations:

Employers may only consider convictions, not arrests that did not lead to conviction
Conviction inquiries are only permitted after a conditional job offer has been made
Only convictions within the past 10 years may be considered (excluding periods of incarceration)
Employers may only consider convictions with a rational relationship to job duties
Certain industries have exemptions, including healthcare, education, and financial institutions

Housing Restrictions:

The Fair Housing Act and Hawaii housing laws restrict the use of arrest records:

Housing providers cannot have blanket policies rejecting applicants with arrest records
Only conviction records with a demonstrable relationship to tenant suitability may be considered
Arrest records without convictions generally cannot be used as the sole basis for housing denial

Licensing Restrictions:

Professional licensing boards in Hawaii are subject to HRS §831-3.1, which:

Prohibits denial of licenses based solely on a prior conviction unless the conviction directly relates to the profession
Requires consideration of evidence of rehabilitation
Establishes time limitations on considering old convictions

Commercial Background Check Providers:

Companies providing background checks must comply with:

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Hawaii's credit reporting laws
Restrictions on reporting non-conviction information
Requirements to ensure accuracy and provide dispute mechanisms

Public Disclosure Limitations:

The re-disclosure of arrest record information obtained from official sources is restricted:

Information cannot be used for commercial solicitation
Bulk distribution of arrest data is generally prohibited
Re-publishing arrest information for harassment purposes is prohibited

Penalties for Misuse:

Violations of these restrictions can result in:

Civil liability under state and federal law
Administrative fines
Injunctive relief
In some cases, criminal penalties

Exceptions and Special Provisions:

Certain exceptions exist for:

Law enforcement agencies
Courts and judicial proceedings
Statutorily mandated background checks
National security positions
Positions working with vulnerable populations

These limitations reflect Hawaii's policy of promoting rehabilitation and reintegration while still allowing for appropriate public safety considerations. Individuals who believe their arrest records have been improperly used may seek remedies through the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission or through private legal action.

Lookup Arrest Records in Hawaii

State Repository for Criminal History Records:

Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC)
Kekuanao'a Building
465 South King Street, Room 101
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 587-3100
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center

State Department of Public Safety:

Hawaii Department of Public Safety
1177 Alakea Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 587-1288
Hawaii Department of Public Safety

State Court System:

Hawaii State Judiciary
417 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 539-4700
Hawaii State Judiciary

Hawaii Supreme Court
Ali'iolani Hale
417 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 539-4919
Hawaii Supreme Court

Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals
Kapuaiwa Building
426 Queen Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 539-4700
Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals

Circuit Courts:

First Circuit Court (Oahu)
Ka'ahumanu Hale
777 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 539-4300
First Circuit Court

Second Circuit Court (Maui County)
Hoapili Hale
2145 Main Street
Wailuku, HI 96793
Phone: (808) 244-2700
Second Circuit Court

Third Circuit Court (Hawaii Island)
Hale Kaulike
777 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 961-7400
Third Circuit Court

Fifth Circuit Court (Kauai)
Puuhonua Kaulike Building
3970 Kaana Street
Lihue, HI 96766
Phone: (808) 482-2300
Fifth Circuit Court

Attorney General's Office:

Hawaii Department of the Attorney General
425 Queen Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 586-1500
Hawaii Department of the Attorney General

County Sheriff's Offices:

Hawaii does not have county sheriffs. Law enforcement at the county level is handled by police departments.

Municipal Police Departments:

Honolulu Police Department
801 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 529-3111
Honolulu Police Department

Hawaii County Police Department
349 Kapiolani Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 935-3311
Hawaii County Police Department

Maui Police Department
55 Mahalani Street
Wailuku, HI 96793
Phone: (808) 244-6400
Maui Police Department

Kauai Police Department
3990 Kaana Street, Suite 200
Lihue, HI 96766
Phone: (808) 241-1711
Kauai Police Department

State Archives:

Hawaii State Archives
Iolani Palace Grounds
364 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 586-0329
Hawaii State Archives

State Library:

Hawaii State Library
478 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 586-3500
Hawaii State Public Library System

Federal Agencies Operating in Hawaii:

Federal Bureau of Investigation - Honolulu Field Office
91-1300 Enterprise Street
Kapolei, HI 96707
Phone: (808) 566-4300
FBI Honolulu

U.S. Marshals Service - District of Hawaii
300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 6-100
Honolulu, HI 96850
Phone: (808) 541-3000
U.S. Marshals Service - District of Hawaii

Federal Bureau of Prisons - FDC Honolulu
351 Elliott Street
Honolulu, HI 96819
Phone: (808) 838-4200
Federal Detention Center Honolulu

U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii
300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room C-338
Honolulu, HI 96850
Phone: (808) 541-1300
U.S. District Court - District of Hawaii