Hawaii County, Hawaii Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Hawaii County, Hawaii?
Arrest records are public documents in Hawaii County, Hawaii, pursuant to the Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), codified in Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 92F. This legislation establishes the fundamental principle that government records shall be available for public inspection unless access is restricted or closed by law. The UIPA promotes transparency in governmental operations by ensuring citizens have access to information about law enforcement activities, including arrests.
Under Hawaii law, arrest records typically contain the following public information:
- Name of the individual arrested
- Date and location of arrest
- Criminal charges filed
- Arresting agency
- Case identification numbers
The Hawaii Police Department maintains these records and makes them available through booking logs that are updated regularly. However, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations as permitted under § 92F-13 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Hawaii County?
Hawaii County arrest records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC), operating under the authority of the Attorney General's Office, serves as the central repository for criminal history record information throughout the state, including Hawaii County.
Online access to arrest records is provided through the following official channels:
- The eCrim system, maintained by the HCJDC, which provides criminal history record checks
- The Hawaii State Judiciary's eCourt Kokua system, which contains court case information related to arrests
- The Hawaii Police Department's online booking logs, which list recent arrests
Pursuant to § 846-9, Hawaii Revised Statutes, conviction information is considered public record and is therefore accessible online. However, non-conviction data may have restricted access in accordance with state privacy laws.
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
465 South King Street, Room 101
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 587-3100
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
How to Look Up Hawaii County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Hawaii County have multiple methods available to them. Each method requires specific identifying information about the subject of the search, such as full legal name, date of birth, or other personal identifiers.
In-Person Requests
Individuals may obtain arrest records by visiting:
Hawaii County Police Department
349 Kapiolani Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 935-3311
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Hawaii County Police Department - Kona Station
74-0611 Hale Makai Place
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone: (808) 326-4646
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Requestors must complete a Record Request Form and provide valid government-issued identification. Fees may apply in accordance with § 92-21, Hawaii Revised Statutes, which authorizes agencies to charge reasonable fees for searching, reviewing, and segregating records.
Online Requests
The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center provides online access to criminal history record checks through the eCrim system. Users must create an account and pay the statutory fee of $5.00 per name search. Results are typically available immediately for electronic delivery.
The Hawaii State Judiciary's eCourt Kokua system allows users to search for court cases related to arrests. This system provides case information including charges, hearing dates, and case dispositions.
Written Requests
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to:
Hawaii County Police Department - Records Division
349 Kapiolani Street
Hilo, HI 96720
All written requests must include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Notarized authorization from the subject (if the requestor is not the subject)
Contents of a Hawaii County Arrest Record
Hawaii County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies. These records are created and maintained in accordance with § 846-2.7, Hawaii Revised Statutes, which establishes requirements for criminal history record information.
A standard Hawaii County arrest record includes:
- Biographical information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, gender, race/ethnicity, height, weight, eye and hair color
- Arrest details: Date, time, and location of arrest, arresting agency, officer identification
- Offense information: Statutory charges, offense classification (felony, misdemeanor, petty misdemeanor)
- Processing data: Booking photographs (mugshots), fingerprints, booking number
- Case disposition: Court case number, arraignment date, bail or bond information
- Detention information: Facility where detained, release date if applicable
Pursuant to Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 8, Chapter 101, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information related to minors or sexual assault victims.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Hawaii County
Hawaii law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. The expungement process is governed by § 831-3.2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures.
Individuals may qualify for expungement if:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction
- The case was dismissed with prejudice
- The individual was acquitted of all charges
- The conviction was subsequently overturned on appeal
- The individual received a full pardon from the Governor
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center. If approved, the arrest record is removed from public access, though it may remain available to law enforcement agencies for official purposes. The expungement does not physically destroy the record but restricts its dissemination.
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center - Expungement Unit
465 South King Street, Room 101
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 587-3100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Applicants must submit:
- Completed Application for Expungement form
- Certified court documents showing case disposition
- $10.00 processing fee (cashier's check or money order)
- Copy of valid government-issued identification
Processing time for expungement requests typically ranges from 4-6 weeks. Upon approval, the HCJDC issues an Expungement Order that can be used to demonstrate the record has been expunged.
Search Arrest Records in Hawaii County
