Introduction to Hawaii Law Enforcement

Hawaii's law enforcement structure is unique among U.S. states, shaped by its island geography and political organization into four primary counties. The state operates with approximately 3,100 sworn law enforcement officers serving a population of roughly 1.4 million residents and millions of annual visitors. Hawaii's total law enforcement budget across state and county agencies exceeds $650 million annually, reflecting both the costs of island operations and the complexity of serving geographically dispersed communities.

Unlike most mainland states, Hawaii does not have a traditional state police force with general law enforcement jurisdiction. Instead, the state employs a hybrid model where county police departments handle the majority of general law enforcement duties. The four county police departments, Honolulu Police Department, Hawaii Police Department (Big Island), Maui Police Department, and Kauai Police Department, function as the primary law enforcement agencies for their respective jurisdictions. Each operates with substantial autonomy and maintains separate administrative structures, record-keeping systems, and policies.

The Hawaii Department of Public Safety oversees law enforcement functions related to corrections, narcotics enforcement, and sheriff services, but does not serve as a general-purpose state police agency. The Department of the Attorney General coordinates statewide criminal investigations and prosecutions, while specialized state agencies handle specific enforcement responsibilities. Hawaii's sheriffs, unlike their mainland counterparts, primarily provide court security, prisoner transport, and service of legal documents rather than general law enforcement patrol. This decentralized structure means that individuals seeking police records must often navigate multiple agencies depending on the incident location and type of record needed.

Hawaii State Police / Highway Patrol

Hawaii does not maintain a traditional state police or highway patrol agency like those found in most other states. Instead, law enforcement responsibilities are distributed among county police departments and specialized state agencies. The closest equivalent to a state police force is the Law Enforcement Division within the Hawaii Department of Public Safety, though its functions are considerably more limited than typical state police agencies.

The Hawaii Department of Public Safety operates several law enforcement components. The Narcotics Enforcement Division (NED) conducts statewide drug enforcement operations and works with federal agencies on major drug trafficking investigations. The Sheriff Division provides law enforcement services for state facilities, including courthouses, state buildings, harbors, and airports. Sheriffs also transport prisoners, serve warrants and protective orders, and provide security for judges and visiting dignitaries. However, they do not conduct routine traffic enforcement or general patrol duties on public highways.

Highway traffic enforcement in Hawaii falls under the jurisdiction of the four county police departments. Each county police department operates its own traffic enforcement division responsible for investigating traffic crashes, enforcing traffic laws, and maintaining highway safety within their county boundaries. The Honolulu Police Department, for example, operates a specialized Traffic Division with approximately 150 officers dedicated to traffic enforcement on Oahu.

To request traffic crash reports in Hawaii, individuals must contact the police department for the county where the accident occurred. The Honolulu Police Department requires requesters to complete a Traffic Collision Report Request form, available at district police stations or by mail. The current fee is $10 per report, payable by money order or cashier's check. Reports are typically available 10-14 business days after the incident. For crashes on the Big Island, requests go to the Hawaii Police Department; for Maui County incidents (including Molokai and Lanai), contact the Maui Police Department; and for Kauai incidents, contact the Kauai Police Department.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation maintains traffic safety data and statistics but does not generate individual crash reports. They compile aggregate data from county police departments for planning and analysis purposes. Motorists involved in crashes may also obtain insurance-related information through their insurance companies, which typically request official reports directly from the investigating police department.

The Department of Public Safety's Narcotics Enforcement Division maintains its headquarters in Honolulu and operates field offices on neighbor islands. Record requests related to NED investigations should be directed to the Department of Public Safety's Records Office at 919 Ala Moana Boulevard, 4th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96814. However, most investigative records remain confidential during active investigations and may be exempt from disclosure under Hawaii's public records law even after case closure.

How to Request Police Records in Hawaii

Hawaii's public records law, found in Chapter 92F of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (known as the Uniform Information Practices Act or UIPA), governs access to government records, including police records. The law presumes that government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted. However, law enforcement agencies maintain significant discretion regarding records that could compromise ongoing investigations, reveal confidential informants, or endanger public safety.

Incident Reports

Any person may request police incident reports in Hawaii, regardless of their involvement in the incident. However, the amount of information disclosed varies based on the nature of the incident and the status of any investigation. To request an incident report, you must contact the specific county police department that responded to the incident. The Honolulu Police Department accepts requests in person at any district station, by mail to 801 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, or through their Records and Identification Division. Requesters must provide the incident report number, date, location, and nature of the incident. The standard fee is $5 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page. Processing time typically ranges from 7-14 business days, though complex requests may take longer.

The Hawaii Police Department (Big Island) requires requesters to complete a Records Request form available at any police station or the main station at 349 Kapiolani Street, Hilo, HI 96720. Maui Police Department handles requests through their Records Division at 55 Mahalani Street, Wailuku, HI 96793. Kauai Police Department processes requests at 3990 Kaana Street, Lihue, HI 96766. Each department maintains slightly different fee schedules and processing procedures, so contacting the specific department is essential.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Hawaii are generally public information once an arrest has been made and processed. However, the level of detail available varies. Basic booking information, including name, date of arrest, charges, and booking photo, is typically accessible. The Honolulu Police Department maintains a publicly searchable online arrest log covering recent arrests, usually updated daily. Other counties may provide arrest information upon request but may not maintain online databases.

More detailed arrest records, including probable cause affidavits and investigative details, may be restricted if they could compromise ongoing investigations. Records involving juvenile arrests are strictly confidential under Hawaii law and generally not available to the public. Arrest records that do not result in prosecution may be eligible for expungement under Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 831-3.2, which allows individuals to petition for removal of arrest records in certain circumstances.

Traffic and Crash Reports

Traffic collision reports must be requested from the county police department that investigated the crash. Hawaii does not currently offer a statewide online portal for crash report requests. The Honolulu Police Department requires in-person or mail requests with the specific date, location, and parties involved. The $10 fee must be paid by money order or cashier's check made payable to the Honolulu Police Department. Hawaii Police Department (Big Island) charges $6 per report, while Maui and Kauai police departments charge $5-10 depending on report complexity.

Parties directly involved in a crash, drivers, passengers, property owners, and insurance representatives, typically receive more complete reports than third-party requesters. Some information, such as medical details or witness statements, may be redacted from reports released to non-parties.

Body Camera Footage

Hawaii law enforcement agencies have adopted body-worn cameras at different rates, with implementation varying significantly by department. The Honolulu Police Department began deploying body cameras in 2017 and now equips most patrol officers with the devices. Body camera footage is considered a government record subject to UIPA, but significant exemptions apply. Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 92F-13 allows agencies to withhold records that would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, frustrate legitimate government functions, or compromise ongoing investigations.

Requesting body camera footage requires submitting a detailed written request identifying the specific incident, date, time, location, and officers involved. Agencies review requests individually and may deny access if exemptions apply. When footage is released, agencies typically redact faces of bystanders, license plates, and other identifying information to protect privacy. The Honolulu Police Department charges actual costs for producing body camera footage, which can range from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the length of footage and required redactions. Processing times for body camera requests often exceed 30 days due to the labor-intensive review and redaction process.

911 Call Recordings

Emergency 911 call recordings are maintained by county police departments and are generally subject to public disclosure under UIPA, though exceptions apply. Calls involving ongoing investigations, sensitive personal information, or confidential communications may be withheld. To request 911 recordings, submit a written request to the county police department specifying the date, approximate time, and address or nature of the call. Police departments charge actual costs for retrieving and duplicating recordings, typically $25-75 per recording. Processing times vary but generally range from 14-30 days.

Filing a Formal Public Records Request

When standard record request procedures are insufficient, individuals may file a formal UIPA request. Submit a written request to the agency's records custodian describing the records sought with reasonable specificity. Under UIPA, agencies must respond within 10 business days, either providing the records, denying the request with legal justification, or requesting additional time. If a request is denied, requesters may appeal to the Office of Information Practices (OIP), an independent state agency that mediates public records disputes. The OIP is located at 1132 Bishop Street, Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813, and can be reached at (808) 586-1400. The OIP provides free assistance and can issue binding opinions requiring agencies to release records.

Criminal Justice Information in Hawaii

The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC), operated by the Department of the Attorney General, serves as the state's central repository for criminal history record information (CHRI). The HCJDC maintains fingerprint-based records of arrests, prosecutions, and dispositions for individuals processed through Hawaii's criminal justice system. The center also serves as Hawaii's link to the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index.

Criminal history record checks in Hawaii are available through two primary methods: name-based searches and fingerprint-based searches. Name-based searches provide limited information and are less reliable due to potential name variations and identification errors. Fingerprint-based searches provide comprehensive criminal history information and are required for most employment, licensing, and legal purposes.

To obtain a fingerprint-based criminal history record check, individuals must complete an application through the HCJDC. The process requires scheduling a fingerprinting appointment at an authorized location. The Honolulu Police Department, Hawaii Police Department, Maui Police Department, and Kauai Police Department all provide fingerprinting services. Private fingerprinting vendors also operate throughout the state. The current fee for a Hawaii criminal history check is $25, plus an additional $15.75 for FBI national records if required. Processing times typically range from 2-4 weeks for Hawaii-only checks and 4-8 weeks when FBI records are included.

Hawaii employers must comply with specific requirements when conducting criminal background checks. The Hawaii Fair Employment Practices Act prohibits discrimination based on arrest and court records under certain circumstances. Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 378-2.5 generally prohibits employers from considering arrests that did not result in conviction, convictions that have been expunged, or convictions more than 10 years old unless they are directly related to job responsibilities. However, exceptions apply for positions involving vulnerable populations, security-sensitive roles, and jobs requiring state or federal background checks.

Criminal records in Hawaii remain on file indefinitely unless expunged or sealed by court order. Hawaii law provides several mechanisms for record expungement. Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 831-3.2 allows individuals to petition for expungement of arrest records that did not result in conviction. Chapter 831 also provides for expungement of certain drug offense convictions and juvenile records. Successful expungement results in the sealing and destruction of records, though some exceptions apply for law enforcement and judicial purposes.

The HCJDC also maintains Hawaii's sex offender registry, wanted person files, and stolen property databases. Access to these systems is restricted to criminal justice agencies, though public interfaces provide limited information. The HCJDC is located at 465 South King Street, Room 101, Honolulu, HI 96813, and can be reached at (808) 587-3106.

Hawaii Attorney General & Statewide Law Enforcement

The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General serves as the state's chief law enforcement legal agency and coordinates multi-jurisdictional criminal investigations. The Criminal Justice Division, headed by a Deputy Attorney General, prosecutes white-collar crimes, public corruption, organized crime, and other offenses that cross county boundaries or involve state interests. The Attorney General's office employs approximately 350 attorneys and 200 support staff statewide, with an annual budget exceeding $50 million.

The Criminal Justice Division operates several specialized units. The White Collar Crime Unit investigates financial fraud, embezzlement, and economic crimes. The Public Integrity Unit handles cases involving government corruption, official misconduct, and ethics violations. The Investigations Division employs sworn law enforcement officers who conduct complex investigations in coordination with county police departments and federal agencies.

Hawaii's Attorney General coordinates several multi-agency task forces addressing specific crime problems. The Hawaii Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force brings together federal, state, and county law enforcement to investigate online child exploitation. The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program coordinates drug enforcement across agencies. The Organized Crime and Gang Section works with the FBI and county police to address gang activity and organized crime networks.

The Attorney General's office also houses the Crime Prevention and Justice Assistance Division, which administers federal criminal justice grants, coordinates crime statistics reporting, and operates victim assistance programs. This division manages Hawaii's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program and compiles statewide crime statistics from county police departments.

Requests for records from the Attorney General's office should be directed to the specific division handling the matter. General record requests can be submitted to the Administrative Services Division at 425 Queen Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. However, most investigative files and prosecution records remain confidential under attorney work-product and law enforcement exemptions until cases are resolved.

Sex Offender Registry in Hawaii

Hawaii's sex offender registration and notification system operates under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 846E, which implements federal requirements under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center maintains the state's registry, which contains information on approximately 3,500 registered sex offenders across the state.

Hawaii law requires individuals convicted of specified sexual offenses to register with local police within three business days of establishing residence, employment, or school attendance in the state. Registration requirements vary based on offense severity and offender risk classification. Offenders are classified into three tiers with progressively stricter requirements. Tier I offenders must register for 10 years, Tier II offenders for 25 years, and Tier III offenders for life. All registered offenders must verify their information periodically, Tier I offenders annually, Tier II offenders every six months, and Tier III offenders every three months.

The public can search Hawaii's sex offender registry through the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center website at sexoffenders.ehawaii.gov. The online database provides names, photographs, physical descriptions, addresses (to the block level), conviction offenses, and risk assessment information for registered offenders. The database updates daily and allows searches by name, address, zip code, or geographic area. Users can also register for email notifications when offenders move into specified areas.

Hawaii law prohibits using registry information to harass, intimidate, or discriminate against registered offenders. Misuse of registry information is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year imprisonment and a $2,000 fine. The law also establishes residence restrictions prohibiting certain registered sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, or other places where children congregate.

Registered sex offenders who fail to comply with registration requirements face felony charges under Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 846E-9, punishable by up to five years imprisonment. The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center works with county police departments to verify offender addresses and enforce compliance. Out-of-state sex offenders moving to Hawaii must register within three business days of arrival, even if their conviction state did not require registration.

Wanted Lists & Crime Data in Hawaii

Each of Hawaii's four county police departments maintains its own wanted persons list, though no single statewide wanted list exists. The Honolulu Police Department publishes a "Most Wanted" list on its website featuring individuals wanted for serious crimes including murder, robbery, and assault. The Hawaii Police Department, Maui Police Department, and Kauai Police Department periodically release information about wanted suspects through press releases and social media, though they do not maintain continuously updated online wanted lists.

CrimeStoppers Honolulu, a non-profit organization working with law enforcement, maintains an active wanted persons database and offers rewards for information leading to arrests. The organization can be reached at (808) 955-8300 or through its website. Similar CrimeStoppers programs operate on neighbor islands in cooperation with local police departments.

Hawaii's participation in the federal Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program provides comprehensive crime statistics for the state. The Attorney General's Crime Prevention and Justice Assistance Division compiles annual crime statistics from all county police departments and submits data to the FBI's national UCR program. These statistics are published in the annual "Crime in Hawaii" report, available through the Department of the Attorney General's website. The report provides detailed breakdowns of reported crimes by category, county, and trend analysis.

Crime statistics show that Hawaii generally maintains lower crime rates than the national average for violent crimes but experiences higher rates of property crime, particularly in tourist areas. The 2022 Crime in Hawaii report documented approximately 3,200 violent crimes and 36,000 property crimes statewide. Honolulu County accounts for approximately 70% of reported crimes due to its larger population.

Individual county police departments also publish crime statistics and interactive crime mapping tools. The Honolulu Police Department operates a crime mapping website allowing residents to view reported crimes by neighborhood, date range, and crime type. This transparency tool helps residents understand crime patterns and make informed safety decisions.

Federal fugitives wanted in Hawaii can be found through the U.S. Marshals Service District of Hawaii, which maintains offices in Honolulu and works with local law enforcement to apprehend federal fugitives. The FBI's Honolulu Field Office also publishes information about wanted suspects for federal crimes. Both agencies coordinate with county police through joint fugitive task forces.

Police Accountability & Misconduct Records

Police misconduct and disciplinary records in Hawaii are generally protected from public disclosure under civil service laws and collective bargaining agreements, though recent legislative efforts have sought to increase transparency. Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 92F-14 exempts personnel records from public disclosure, and this exemption has historically been interpreted broadly to shield police disciplinary records from public scrutiny.

The Honolulu Police Department is governed by the Honolulu Police Commission, a seven-member civilian oversight board appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The Commission has authority to investigate citizen complaints, review use-of-force incidents, and discipline officers up to and including termination. However, Commission proceedings and investigative records are generally confidential under civil service rules, with only final disciplinary decisions becoming public in limited circumstances.

Each county police department maintains an internal affairs or professional standards office responsible for investigating misconduct complaints. The Honolulu Police Department's Professional Standards Office investigates allegations of criminal conduct, policy violations, and excessive force. Citizens may file complaints in person at any police station, by mail, or through the Honolulu Police Commission. Other counties maintain similar complaint processes, though the structure and transparency vary by department.

Hawaii law requires police departments to report certain use-of-force incidents to the Attorney General's office. However, these reports are not automatically public. Use-of-force statistics and aggregate data may be released in response to public records requests, but individual incident reports typically remain confidential if they involve ongoing investigations or personnel matters.

The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission investigates allegations of discrimination by law enforcement officers, providing an alternative complaint mechanism. The Commission can issue findings and recommend discipline, though it lacks enforcement authority over police departments. Complaints to the Civil Rights Commission are confidential during investigation but may become public if formal proceedings result.

In 2020, following nationwide protests over police accountability, Hawaii's legislature considered bills to increase transparency around police misconduct records. While comprehensive reform legislation has not passed, pressure for greater transparency continues. Some departments have voluntarily released aggregate misconduct statistics, though individual officer disciplinary records remain largely confidential.

Civil lawsuits against police officers and departments are public record through Hawaii's court system. Settlements and judgments in excessive force cases, wrongful arrest claims, and other police misconduct litigation can be accessed through the Hawaii State Judiciary's online case search system (eCourt Kōkua), providing some a view of patterns of misconduct even when internal disciplinary records remain confidential.

Traffic Violations & Driving Records

The Hawaii Department of Transportation, Highways Division, oversees traffic safety, but the four county police departments enforce traffic laws and issue citations. Traffic violations in Hawaii are processed through the District Courts in each county, and driving records are maintained by the counties' driver licensing divisions and compiled by the state.

Hawaii operates a traffic violation point system under Hawaii Administrative Rules Section 19-123. Points are assessed for moving violations and remain on a driver's record for three years from the conviction date. Accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months results in license suspension. Common violations and their point values include: speeding (2-4 points depending on speed), running a red light (3 points), reckless driving (6 points), and driving under the influence (6 points).

To obtain a copy of your Hawaii driving record, you must request it from the county where your driver's license was issued. On Oahu, requests go to the City and County of Honolulu Motor Vehicle and Licensing Division. The Hawaii County Finance Department handles requests for Big Island residents, the Maui County Department of Finance for Maui County residents, and the Kauai County Office of the County Clerk for Kauai residents. Requests can typically be made in person, by mail, or online through the respective county's website.

The standard abstract of driving record costs $9 and includes traffic violations, accidents, license status, and point accumulation for the past three years. A certified abstract suitable for court or employment purposes costs $10. Processing time for mail requests is typically 7-10 business days, while in-person and online requests may be fulfilled immediately. Requesters must provide their driver's license number and proof of identity.

Commercial driver's license (CDL) holders are subject to stricter requirements under federal regulations. CDL driving records include all traffic violations, including those committed in personal vehicles. Out-of-state violations are reported to Hawaii through the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS). CDL holders can request their records through the same process as regular drivers, but employers may also request CDL records for current or prospective employees.

Insurance companies and employers may request driving records with the driver's written consent. Hawaii law restricts the use of driving records for employment purposes to positions requiring driving as an essential function. The Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) limits disclosure of personal information from driving records, and Hawaii's implementation of DPPA restricts access to protect driver privacy.

Traffic citations can be paid online through the respective county's traffic violations bureau or contested in District Court. Contesting a citation requires appearing in court on the scheduled date. Drivers may also request traffic school to avoid points for certain violations, though eligibility requirements and availability vary by county and violation type.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a police report in Hawaii?

Processing times for police reports vary by county and report complexity. The Honolulu Police Department typically processes routine incident report requests within 7-14 business days. The Hawaii Police Department (Big Island), Maui Police Department, and Kauai Police Department have similar timeframes. Traffic crash reports may take slightly longer, typically 10-14 business days, as they require officer review and approval. Complex reports involving ongoing investigations or requiring extensive redactions may take 30 days or longer. Expedited processing is generally not available, though reports needed for insurance claims may receive priority handling if the requesting party identifies the urgent need.

Are arrest records public in Hawaii?

Yes, arrest records are generally public information in Hawaii once an individual has been arrested and booked. Basic information including the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and booking photo is typically available through the arresting agency. The Honolulu Police Department maintains a public online arrest log. However, detailed investigative records, probable cause affidavits, and information about ongoing investigations may be withheld under public records exemptions. Juvenile arrest records are strictly confidential and not available to the public. Arrest records that do not result in prosecution may be eligible for expungement under Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 831-3.2.

How do I get body camera footage from Hawaii police?

To request body camera footage, submit a detailed written public records request to the police department that responded to the incident. Your request must identify the specific incident date, time, location, officers involved, and your relationship to the incident. Submit requests to the Records Division of the relevant county police department. The agency will review your request and determine whether exemptions apply. If approved, the agency will prepare the footage with necessary redactions to protect privacy and other interests. Processing times typically exceed 30 days due to review and redaction requirements. Fees vary based on actual costs, often ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on footage length and complexity. Denials can be appealed to the Office of Information Practices.

Can I expunge my criminal record in Hawaii?

Hawaii law provides several expungement options depending on your circumstances. Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 831-3.2 allows expungement of arrest records that did not result in conviction, provided you petition the court and meet specific requirements. Certain drug offense convictions may be expunged under Chapter 831 after completing terms of sentence and remaining crime-free for specified periods. Juvenile records may be expunged in certain circumstances. Expungement is not automatic; you must file a petition in the circuit court where the arrest or conviction occurred, pay filing fees (typically $50-100), and demonstrate eligibility. Successful expungement results in sealing and eventual destruction of records. Consult with an attorney to determine your eligibility and navigate the petition process.

How do I find out if someone is wanted by police in Hawaii?

Check the "Most Wanted" lists maintained by county police departments. The Honolulu Police Department publishes an updated list on its website. CrimeStoppers Honolulu maintains a wanted persons database at (808) 955-8300. Contact the police department's Records Division in the county where you believe the warrant was issued to inquire about active warrants. The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center maintains warrant information accessible to law enforcement but not directly searchable by the public. Court records can also reveal outstanding warrants through the Hawaii State Judiciary's eCourt Kōkua online case search system. For federal warrants, check the U.S. Marshals Service or FBI websites.

What is the cost of a background check in Hawaii?

A fingerprint-based criminal history record check through the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center costs $25 for Hawaii records only. If FBI national records are required, add $15.75 for a total of $40.75. Fingerprinting services cost an additional $10-30 depending on the provider. Private background check companies charge varying fees, typically $30-100, but may not provide official criminal history records suitable for legal or licensing purposes. Employment background checks conducted through official channels typically include both state and federal records, totaling approximately $40-50 plus fingerprinting fees. Processing times are 2-4 weeks for state records and 4-8 weeks when FBI records are included.

Are police disciplinary records public in Hawaii?

Police disciplinary records in Hawaii are generally not public under current law. Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 92F-14 exempts personnel records from disclosure, and this exemption has been broadly interpreted to protect police misconduct and disciplinary records. Civil service rules and police union collective bargaining agreements also restrict access to disciplinary information. The Honolulu Police Commission and similar oversight bodies in other counties conduct investigations and impose discipline, but their proceedings and records are typically confidential. Some aggregate statistics about complaints and discipline may be released, but individual officer records remain protected. Civil lawsuits against officers are public through court records, providing limited transparency. Legislative efforts to increase disclosure of serious misconduct have been proposed but not yet enacted.

How do I request 911 call recordings in Hawaii?

Submit a written public records request to the county police department that received the call. Specify the date, approximate time, address or location, and nature of the emergency call. Requests should be addressed to the Records Division of the relevant county police department. Under Hawaii's Uniform Information Practices Act, agencies must respond within 10 business days. The police department will review the request and determine whether exemptions apply. Calls involving ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or sensitive personal information may be withheld. If approved, the agency will produce a copy of the recording on CD or digital format. Fees typically range from $25-75 per recording to cover actual costs. Processing times generally range from 14-30 days depending on the complexity of the request and required review.