About Hawaii Public Records

Hawaii Public Records Overview

Hawaii, known as the Aloha State, became the 50th state of the United States on August 21, 1959. With a population of approximately 1.3 million residents, it recognizes two official languages: English and Hawaiian. The state’s economy is largely driven by tourism and agriculture, with major crops including bananas, pineapples, sugar, macadamia nuts, taro, and coffee. Hawaii consists of five counties and one municipality—Honolulu. Notably, Kalawao County is the smallest in the U.S., with just 90 residents.

In line with the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Hawaii enacted the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA) to provide residents open access to government records. UIPA ensures that individuals and businesses can request public records for any reason. A notable example was the release of President Obama’s birth certificate following a UIPA request. While the law excludes access to sealed, confidential, or protected information, most public records are available upon request.

The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center offers access to statewide criminal history records. Any member of the public can request information on felony and misdemeanor convictions. Employers commonly use this service to conduct background checks during the hiring process. Private individuals may also request their own reports to verify information before sharing with potential employers.

Beyond criminal records, public records in Hawaii encompass a wide range of data:

• Driving Records: Employers can request traffic violation histories from the Traffic Violations Bureau for job applicants requiring driving credentials.
• Court Records: Family court records, such as divorces, can be accessed via certified copies from courthouses or through online databases. Civil court records may reveal judgments, lawsuits, and jury awards.
• Instant Online Searches: Free web databases allow for quick people searches, inmate locators, sex offender registries, professional license verifications, and lists of individuals wanted by law enforcement.

Asset Searches in Hawaii

Accessing certain types of assets is possible through designated public resources. While personal financial data such as bank accounts and investment portfolios remain protected, other types of property records are publicly accessible:

• Real Estate: Ownership information can be obtained via the Bureau of Conveyances.
• Bankruptcy Records: The District of Hawaii bankruptcy court provides detailed case files listing assets and liabilities.
• Vehicle Ownership: Searches can be conducted online through state databases.
• Liens and Judgments: These can be retrieved through Hawaii’s electronic court record systems.

Using PublicRecordCenter for Access

Finding the right public records begins with locating current and reliable sources. PublicRecordCenter serves as a specialized directory, offering links to official record databases, instructions for online ordering, and downloadable request forms. Many state agencies now offer searchable databases that allow users to print results at home. By organizing the most useful and accessible sources, PublicRecordCenter helps streamline the record search process for individuals and businesses alike.