Hawaii Arrest Records

Is Hawaii an Open Arrest Records State?

Hawaii is an open arrest records state pursuant to the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 92F. This legislation establishes that arrest records are considered public records accessible to the general public with certain limitations. The State of Hawaii maintains this policy to promote government transparency, ensure public safety, and uphold accountability within the criminal justice system. Members of the public may access these records through designated channels established by state agencies.

The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC), operating under the Department of the Attorney General, serves as the central repository for criminal history record information in the state. Public access to arrest records is governed by HRS § 846-9, which specifies that conviction information is public, while non-conviction information has restricted access. This distinction is important for individuals seeking arrest record information, as records of arrests that did not result in convictions may not be publicly available except under specific circumstances outlined in the statute.

How to Look Up Hawaii Arrest Records in 2025

The State of Hawaii provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records as of 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:

Online Access through eCrim: The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center maintains the eCrim system, which allows for electronic criminal history record checks. Users must create an account through the eCrim portal and pay the required fee of $5.00 per name search. This system provides access to adult conviction records only.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center to submit requests in person.

Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
465 South King Street, Room 101
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 587-3100
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM (except state holidays)

County Police Departments: Each county's police department maintains records of local arrests.

Honolulu Police Department
801 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 529-3111
Hours: Records Division open Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM

Hawaii County Police Department
349 Kapiolani Street
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 935-3311
Hours: Records Division open Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM

Judiciary eCourt Kokua: The Hawaii State Judiciary provides access to court records, including criminal cases, through their eCourt Kokua system. This resource includes information on court proceedings related to arrests.

Contents of a Hawaii Arrest Record

Hawaii arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by HRS § 846-2.7. A comprehensive arrest record typically includes the following elements:

Demographic Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, gender, race/ethnicity, and physical descriptors (height, weight, eye color, hair color, distinguishing marks)
Arrest Details: Date and time of arrest, location of arrest, arresting agency, badge number of arresting officer, and booking number
Offense Information: Specific charges filed, statutory citations, offense classification (felony, misdemeanor, petty misdemeanor), and offense date
Case Disposition: Current status of the case, court proceedings, bail/bond information, and final disposition if available
Fingerprint Data: Biometric identification information collected at booking
Photograph: Booking photograph ("mugshot") taken at the time of processing

It is important to note that pursuant to HRS § 846-9, juvenile records are strictly confidential and not included in public arrest records unless the juvenile was prosecuted as an adult under specific circumstances outlined in HRS § 571-22.

Understanding the Hawaii Open Records Act

The Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), codified in HRS Chapter 92F, serves as Hawaii's open records law. Enacted in 1988, this comprehensive legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including arrest information. The UIPA operates under the fundamental principle that government records are open to public inspection unless access is restricted or closed by law.

Key provisions of the UIPA relating to arrest records include:

HRS § 92F-12(a)(5): Explicitly designates information relating to 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 records protected by other laws
HRS § 92F-15: Provides remedies for persons aggrieved by denial of access to records

The Office of Information Practices (OIP) oversees the implementation of the UIPA and provides guidance on record access issues.

Office of Information Practices
No. 1 Capitol District Building
250 South Hotel Street, Suite 107
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 586-1400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM (except state holidays)

Expungement of Arrest Records in Hawaii

Hawaii law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under HRS § 831-3.2. Expungement removes eligible arrest records from public access, though the information remains available to law enforcement agencies for official purposes. The process is administered by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center.

Eligibility criteria for expungement include:

Arrest did not result in conviction (nolle prosequi, dismissal, acquittal)
At least one year has elapsed since the date of arrest
No pending criminal proceedings against the person
Person has not been convicted of a crime during the year preceding the request
Person has no prior convictions

The expungement application process requires:

Submission of a completed Application for Expungement of Arrest Records (form CHRD-001)
Payment of the $35.00 processing fee (money order or certified check)
Verification of identity through fingerprinting
Supporting documentation regarding case disposition

Applications must be submitted to:

Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
Expungement Section
465 South King Street, Room 101
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 587-3348

Processing time typically ranges from 4-6 weeks. If approved, the HCJDC issues an expungement order directing all agencies to seal the arrest record.

How to Find Local Arrests in Hawaii?

Information regarding local arrests in Hawaii is available through multiple official channels. Members of the public seeking current arrest information may utilize the following resources:

County Police Department Websites: Each county police department maintains information about recent arrests.
Daily Police Blotters: Many police departments publish daily logs of police activity, including arrests. These may be available at police stations or on department websites.
Court Calendars: The Hawaii State Judiciary publishes court calendars that list upcoming hearings for recent arrests.
Local Detention Facilities: County jails maintain rosters of currently detained individuals.

Oahu Community Correctional Center
2199 Kamehameha Highway
Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 832-1623

Hawaii Community Correctional Center
60 Punahele Street
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 933-0400

Crime Mapping Resources: The Honolulu Police Department offers an online crime mapping tool that displays recent criminal activity, including arrests, by geographic location.
Media Reports: Local news outlets regularly report on significant arrests and police activity.

Individuals seeking information about specific arrests should be prepared to provide identifying information such as the arrestee's full name and date of birth to facilitate accurate record retrieval.

Search Arrest Records in Hawaii

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