Honolulu Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Honolulu, Hawaii government websites.
About Honolulu City Government
Annual Budget
$3.5 billion
Regular Meetings
Public Sessions
The governing body of Honolulu, Hawaii, is the Honolulu City Council, which consists of 9 elected members. Each council member is elected to serve a term of 4 years, representing specific districts across the city. The council members are elected through a nonpartisan election process, with the next election scheduled for November 2024.
For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City and County of Honolulu is $3.5 billion. This budget allocates funds for various city services, including public safety, transportation, and infrastructure development, aiming to enhance the quality of life for Honolulu residents.
The Honolulu City Council holds regular meetings every Wednesday at 10:00 AM. These meetings take place at Honolulu Hale, located at 530 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. The meetings are open to the public, providing residents with an opportunity to engage with their elected officials and participate in local governance.
About Honolulu, Hawaii
The law enforcement landscape in Honolulu is primarily managed by the Honolulu Police Department, which is dedicated to ensuring public safety and community engagement. In addition, the Honolulu County Sheriff’s Office plays a crucial role in maintaining order and overseeing correctional facilities. The Oahu Community Correctional Center serves as the main detention facility for those awaiting trial or serving short sentences. When it comes to accessing arrest and criminal records, individuals can utilize online resources or submit requests to the appropriate agencies. The inmate search feature provides families and legal representatives with the ability to locate individuals currently in custody, ensuring transparency and accessibility in the justice system.
Public records in Honolulu are governed by the Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act, which promotes transparency and public access to government information. The Honolulu County Clerk's Office is a key resource for vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, which are essential for various legal and personal purposes. Property records can be accessed through the Assessor’s Office, providing valuable information for homeowners and potential buyers about property ownership and assessments. Additionally, court records can be obtained through the Honolulu Superior Court, allowing individuals to access legal documents and case information pertinent to their interests or needs. Together, these resources facilitate an informed citizenry and uphold the principles of open government in this dynamic city.
Honolulu, Hawaii Public Records & Government Resources
Center for Missing & Exploited Children – Hawaii
Quick search for missing children near Honolulu Hawaii.
Honolulu Hawaii Archives and Genealogy
Hawaii State Archives genealogy and historical records for Honolulu.
Honolulu Hawaii Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court District of Hawaii for Honolulu.
Hawaii Courts – Honolulu Records
Hawaii State Judiciary court records for Honolulu.
Honolulu Hawaii Inmate Search
Hawaii Department of Public Safety corrections inmate lookup for Honolulu.
Honolulu Hawaii Missing Persons
Hawaii Police Department missing persons database for Honolulu.
Honolulu Hawaii Sex Offender Registry
Hawaii sex offender public registry for Honolulu.
Honolulu Hawaii Criminal History Records
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center records for Honolulu residents.
Honolulu Hawaii Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Honolulu.
City of Honolulu
Directory of Honolulu city records and information
Honolulu City Clerk
Find books, papers and public records for Honolulu
Honolulu City Auditor
Find independent and objective analyses of city services
Honolulu Police Department
Police protection and services for Honolulu
Honolulu Fire Department
Fire protection and prevention for Honolulu
Honolulu Parks and Recreation Department
Find public announcements and events and things to do in Honolulu
Honolulu Emergency Services
Find medical and ocean safety resources
Hawaii Public Library System
Research Honolulu library resources
Honolulu Colleges and Universities University of Hawaii System Hawaii Pacific University Honolulu Community College Inf
Department of Education for Hawaii
Find information on admission, curriculum and school news
Honolulu Department of the Medical Examiner
Search for information on sudden, unexpected, violent and suspicious deaths
Honolulu Mayors Office of Culture and the Arts
Promotes the value of arts and culture throughout Honolulu
Honolulu Census Information
Find population, business and geographical facts
Honolulu Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Divorces
How to order official certificates and contact links
Honolulu Hawaii Sex Offenders Search
Child safety, internet safety and missing children
Honolulu Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
search for an individual's conviction information
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement across the island of Oahu falls under the jurisdiction of the Honolulu Police Department, which maintains public safety, investigates crimes, and enforces laws throughout Honolulu County. The department works alongside the County Sheriff's Office, which provides services particularly in unincorporated areas and at state facilities. Campus security at the University of Hawaii operates under its own Department of Public Safety.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) serves as the primary detention facility for Honolulu County and is operated by the Hawaii Department of Public Safety. When detainees arrive, they go through a booking process that includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Families and attorneys can track custody status through the Hawaii SAVIN system's inmate lookup services. Visitation at the facility requires scheduled appointments and security screenings.
Those seeking to post bail can work with a bail bondsman or arrange payment directly with the court, depending on the charges involved. Recently arrested individuals can be located through OCCC's inmate information services.
Arrest Records
Both the Honolulu Police Department and the Hawaii Department of Public Safety maintain arrest records for Honolulu County. These records document the circumstances of each arrest, including charges filed and booking details. Residents and attorneys seeking copies can submit formal requests to the appropriate department, typically providing identification and paying a processing fee. The records themselves contain the arrestee's name, date of arrest, specific charges, and the agency responsible for the arrest.
Court Records
The Hawaii Courts system maintains comprehensive records of legal proceedings across civil, criminal, and administrative matters in the city. Local judicial institutions, including the Bankruptcy Court, house detailed case files that residents and legal professionals can access. The Hawaii Courts – Honolulu Records division offers online resources for searching and retrieving information about cases moving through the system. This accessibility allows the community to stay informed about judicial processes unfolding in their courts.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Honolulu County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. The Honolulu Police Department and the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center maintain these records. To run a background check in Hawaii, individuals can request a Criminal History Record Check from the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center, which provides access to statewide criminal records. The Hawaii Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking detailed criminal history information.
Public Records Access
An extensive collection of historical and current public records resides with the Honolulu Hawaii Archives and Genealogy division. Residents researching property history can access deeds, land records, and assessor information through this centralized repository. The City of Honolulu has also established an online portal where individuals can search municipal records ranging from zoning details to building permits and other documents related to real estate development. These resources serve both genealogical researchers and those conducting due diligence on property transactions.
Vital Records
The Honolulu Hawaii Census and Vital Statistics office is the primary source for accessing birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses for the city and Honolulu County. This government agency ensures the accurate documentation and preservation of these important life events for residents. Individuals in need of such records can submit requests or visit the office in person to obtain the necessary documentation for a variety of legal and personal purposes.
Business & Licensing Records
Entrepreneurs and business owners navigating the regulatory landscape in Honolulu can turn to the City Clerk's office and the City Auditor's department for guidance on licenses, permits, and zoning regulations. These agencies oversee the administrative machinery that governs commercial activities, ensuring ventures comply with local requirements. Whether launching a startup or expanding an established operation, business owners can tap into dedicated support services the city provides to help them understand and meet their obligations.
Economy & Demographics
Honolulu's diverse economy is driven by a range of industries, including tourism, healthcare, technology, and military operations. Major employers in the city include the United States military, Hawaiian Airlines, The Queen's Health Systems, and the University of Hawaii. The city's vibrant business community, supported by local government agencies, continues to attract new investments and foster entrepreneurial growth, contributing to the overall economic prosperity of Honolulu and Honolulu County.
Elections & Voter Records
The County of Honolulu Elections Division operates under the Office of the City Clerk, with offices located at 530 S. King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. Residents can reach the division at (808) 768-3800 or visit www.honoluluelections.us for information. Voter registration is available online through the Hawaii Voter Registration System at https://olvr.hawaii.gov/. Those registering need a Hawaii driver's license or state ID, and must complete the process at least 30 days before an election.
Municipal races include contests for mayor and nine city council seats, with all officeholders serving four-year terms. The next mayoral and city council elections are scheduled for November 2024, while the November 2026 ballot will again feature the mayoral race, all nine council seats, and potentially other county-level offices. Residents can look up their assigned polling place through the Elections Division website. Election records including voter registration lists, campaign finance reports, and results are public and available through records requests. In the 2024 general election, voter turnout in Honolulu County reached 65.2 percent. Hawaii offers no-excuse absentee voting, allowing any voter to request a mail-in ballot through the state's online system or by paper form. Ballots must arrive by 7:00 PM on election day.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: 4 | Property: 5 | Arrest Logs: 4 | Vital Records: 5 | Business: 5 | Elections: 5 | Overall: 4.7/10 — Honolulu has moderate transparency, with court records, arrest logs, and elections information being relatively accessible, but some vital records and property data requiring more effort to obtain.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii?
The Honolulu District is part of the Hawaii State Department of Education. According to the Hawaii State Department of Education's 2018-2019 School Report Card, the Honolulu District had a total of 79 schools, with an enrollment of 51,945 students. The district's overall performance score was a 74.7, which is higher than the state average of 72.7. The district's graduation rate was 87.2%, which is higher than the state average of 84.7%. The district's average daily attendance rate was 94.2%, which is higher than the state average of 93.2%.
2 What are the crime statistics for Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii?
According to the Honolulu Police Department's 2019 Annual Report, the total number of reported crimes in Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii was 28,945. Of those reported crimes, there were 1,845 violent crimes and 27,100 property crimes.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii Library?
The Honolulu Public Library in Honolulu County, Hawaii provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Hawaii government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act, which governs access to government documents in Hawaii. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Honolulu Hawaii Archives and Genealogy at https://ags.hawaii.gov/archives/. Contact the Honolulu Public Library reference desk at for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
4 Where is the Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii Public Library located?
The Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii Library is located at 478 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii?
Fingerprinting services for Honolulu, Hawaii residents are provided at the Honolulu Police Department, which serves Honolulu County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Honolulu Police Department at or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center at https://ag.hawaii.gov/hcjdc/.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain a copy of a vital record from Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii, you must submit a completed application form to the Hawaii Department of Health, Office of Health Status Monitoring, Vital Records Section with the full name of the person on the record, the date and place of the event, and the names of the parents or parties involved.
7 How do I register to vote in Honolulu, Hawaii?
The County of Honolulu Elections Division, under the Office of the City Clerk, serves Honolulu voters. Their office is located at 530 S. King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, and can be reached at (808) 768-3800. The official website is www.honoluluelections.us.
Honolulu residents can register to vote online at the Hawaii Voter Registration System at https://olvr.hawaii.gov/. The registration deadline is 30 days prior to an election. To register, you'll need a Hawaii driver's license or state ID.
Municipal elections specific to Honolulu include the mayoral and city council races. Honolulu has a m
Honolulu residents can register to vote online at the Hawaii Voter Registration System at https://olvr.hawaii.gov/. The registration deadline is 30 days prior to an election. To register, you'll need a Hawaii driver's license or state ID.
Municipal elections specific to Honolulu include the mayoral and city council races. Honolulu has a m
8 How do I look up property records in Honolulu, Hawaii?
The Honolulu Hawaii Archives and Genealogy division maintains an extensive collection of public records for the city and surrounding areas. Local residents can access property deeds, land records, and assessor information through this centralized repository. The City of Honolulu also provides an online portal where individuals can search for and retrieve various municipal records, including zoning details, permits, and other relevant documents pertaining to real estate and development within the community.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Honolulu, Hawaii?
The Honolulu Hawaii Census and Vital Statistics office is the primary source for accessing birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses for the city and Honolulu County. This government agency ensures the accurate documentation and preservation of these important life events for residents. Individuals in need of such records can submit requests or visit the office in person to obtain the necessary documentation for a variety of legal and personal purposes.
10 How do I find business license records in Honolulu, Hawaii?
Entrepreneurs and business owners in Honolulu can find information on licenses, permits, and zoning regulations through the City Clerk's office and the City Auditor's department. These government agencies oversee the administrative processes related to commercial activities, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations. Whether starting a new venture or expanding an existing business, the community can access the necessary resources and guidance through the dedicated business support services offered by the city.