Kailua Kona Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Kailua Kona, Hawaii government websites.

  About Kailua Kona City Government
Annual Budget $554 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

Kailua-Kona, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is governed by the Hawaii County Council, which consists of 9 elected members. Each council member serves a term of 4 years, with elections held in even-numbered years. The council members represent specific districts, ensuring local representation in the legislative process.

For the fiscal year 2023, Hawaii County's approximate annual operating budget is $554 million. This budget encompasses various services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development, reflecting the county's commitment to serving its residents.

The Hawaii County Council holds regular meetings every first and third Wednesday of the month at 9:00 AM. These meetings take place at the West Hawaii Civic Center, located at 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the democratic process, providing input on local issues and initiatives.

  About Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Kailua Kona, a vibrant town on the western coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, is a charming destination known for its stunning ocean views and rich cultural heritage. It serves as a hub for tourism within Hawaii County and is characterized by its warm climate and laid-back atmosphere. With a population of approximately 13,300 residents, Kailua Kona boasts several inviting neighborhoods, including historic Kailua Village, which is famous for its local shops, restaurants, and the iconic Kailua Pier. The town is particularly renowned for its coffee farms, water sports, and as the finish line for the esteemed Ironman World Championship, attracting athletes and visitors from around the globe.

Law enforcement in Kailua Kona is primarily managed by the Kailua Kona Police Department, which works in conjunction with the Hawaii County Sheriff to ensure public safety and order. The department is responsible for maintaining law and order and addressing various community concerns. Additionally, a local jail and detention facility provide the necessary infrastructure for processing individuals who have been arrested. In Hawaii, arrest records and criminal records are public records that can be accessed by the community. Individuals seeking information about past arrests or ongoing investigations often utilize an inmate search tool, which allows them to obtain specific details about individuals currently in custody.

Public records in Kailua Kona are governed by the Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act, which ensures that residents have access to important documents and information. The Hawaii County Clerk's office plays a pivotal role in maintaining vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, making it easier for residents to obtain necessary documentation. Property records, essential for real estate transactions and ownership verification, can be accessed through the County Assessor's office. Additionally, court records are maintained by the Superior Court, providing access to legal documents, case information, and public hearings. Together, these resources ensure that the residents of Kailua Kona can access essential information and maintain transparency within their community.

  Kailua Kona, Hawaii Public Records & Government Resources

About Kailua Kona

Kailua Kona is a picturesque town situated on the western coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, within Hawaii County. With a population of approximately 13,300 residents, this vibrant community is known for its stunning ocean views, rich cultural heritage, and laid-back atmosphere. The town serves as a hub for tourism, boasting inviting neighborhoods like historic Kailua Village, which is renowned for its local shops, restaurants, and the iconic Kailua Pier.
Kailua Kona is particularly famous for its thriving coffee farms, world-class water sports, and as the finish line for the esteemed Ironman World Championship, drawing athletes and visitors from around the globe.

Police Department & Arrest Records

The main law enforcement agencies in Kailua Kona, Hawaii County include the Hawaii County Police Department and the municipal police departments of cities like Hilo and Kailua-Kona. The Hawaii County Police Department oversees law enforcement across the entire county, handling major crimes and coordinating with city departments for incidents within municipal boundaries. City police departments focus on local issues, providing community policing and addressing city-specific concerns.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Hawaii Community Correctional Center, located in Hilo, serves as the primary detention facility for Hawaii County. The booking process at this facility involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup is available through the Hawaii Department of Public Safety's online portal, which provides information on current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to strict guidelines regarding visitor conduct and permissible items.

Court Records

The Hawaii State Judiciary oversees the court system in Kailua Kona and the wider Hawaii County. Residents can access a variety of court records, including civil and criminal case files, through the state's online PACER portal. The Kailua Kona Courthouse, a local branch of the Hawaii State Court, also maintains physical records and provides public access to information on ongoing cases, rulings, and other judicial proceedings within the city. Individuals seeking to research court records or monitor specific cases can utilize these comprehensive resources.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Hawaii County encompasses a range of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Hawaii County Police Department and the Hawaii State Judiciary maintain these records, which are accessible for background checks through the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center. The center provides comprehensive background checks for residents, which include criminal history, pending charges, and conviction records.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Hawaii County are maintained by the Hawaii County Police Department, which is responsible for documenting all arrests made within the county. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the department's records division, typically requiring a formal request and applicable fees. An arrest record in Hawaii County includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's information.

Public Records Access

Residents of Kailua Kona and the surrounding Hawaii County can access a variety of public records through the Hawaii Archives and Genealogy office. This includes property records, land deeds, and assessment information for real estate within the city limits and beyond. The Hawaii County Tax Assessor's office also maintains detailed records on property values, ownership, and recent sales. Individuals seeking information about the history and ownership of a particular parcel of land can consult these valuable resources to conduct thorough research.

Economy & Demographics

Kailua Kona's economy is largely driven by its thriving tourism industry, which capitalizes on the city's natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Major employers in the area include hotels, resorts, and hospitality-related businesses, as well as the local coffee farming industry, which is renowned for producing some of the world's finest Kona coffee. The city also has a growing technology sector, with several startups and innovation hubs located within the Kailua Kona Innovation Center.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Law enforcement in Kailua Kona is primarily the responsibility of the Kailua Kona Police Department, which works in conjunction with the Hawaii County Sheriff's Office to ensure public safety and order. Residents can access information about arrests, ongoing investigations, and incarcerated individuals through the state's inmate search tool, which is hosted on the Hawaii Department of Public Safety website. The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center also maintains a statewide sex offender registry, which can be searched for information on registered offenders living within the Kailua Kona community.

Vital Records

Vital records for Kailua Kona residents, such as birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses, are maintained by the Hawaii Department of Health. The state's Vital Records Office provides access to these important documents, which can be crucial for legal purposes, genealogical research, and personal identification. Local residents can submit requests for certified copies of their vital records through the department's online portal or by mail.

Business & Licensing Records

Entrepreneurs and business owners in Kailua Kona can access a wealth of public records related to commercial activities in the city. The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs oversees the issuance of business licenses, permits, and registrations for companies operating within the city limits. Additionally, the Kailua Kona Zoning and Planning Department maintains records on zoning regulations, land use, and construction permits, which can be valuable for those looking to start or expand a business in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Kailua Kona, Hawaii County, Hawaii to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Kailua Kona, Hawaii, you will be transported to the Hawaii County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Hawaii County Court. Under Hawaii law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center. The Hawaii County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.hawaii.gov/psd/corrections/corrections-division/female-community-correctional-center/ where you can look up current detainees.
The Kailua-Kona area is served by the Hawaii Department of Education, which oversees public schools in the state of Hawaii. The Hawaii State Department of Education provides performance data for all public schools in the state. According to the most recent data, the Kailua-Kona area has a total of nine public schools, with an average graduation rate of 83.3%. The average proficiency rate for reading is 68.3%, and the average proficiency rate for math is 63.3%.
According to the Hawaii State Data Center, the total number of reported crimes in Kailua Kona, Hawaii County, Hawaii in 2019 was 1,845. Of those, 1,717 were property crimes and 128 were violent crimes.
The Kailua Kona Public Library in Hawaii 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 Kailua Kona Hawaii Archives and Genealogy at https://ags.hawaii.gov/archives/. Contact the Kailua Kona Public Library reference desk at for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Kailua Kona Public Library is located at 75-138 Hualalai Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740.
Fingerprinting services for Kailua Kona, Hawaii residents are provided at the Kailua Kona Police Department, which serves Hawaii 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 Kailua Kona 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/.
To obtain vital records for Kailua Kona, Hawaii County, Hawaii, you will need to contact the Hawaii Department of Health.

The vital records that are available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. All of these records will include the address of the person listed on the record.
Police reports from Kailua Kona, Hawaii can be obtained from the Kailua Kona Police Department, located in Hawaii County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act, most police reports are public records in Hawaii, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Kailua Kona Police Department Records Division at for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://ag.hawaii.gov/hcjdc/.
A background check in Kailua Kona, Hawaii County, Hawaii typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Hawaii. Criminal background checks are processed through the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Hawaii residents. The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center provides official criminal history checks at https://ag.hawaii.gov/hcjdc/. Under the Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act, individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
  Nearby Cities in Hawaii County, Hawaii

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Hakalau Hilo Holualoa Honomu Kamuela Keaau