Arrest records are public documents in Kauai County, Hawaii, pursuant to the Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), codified in Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 92F. The UIPA establishes that all government records shall be available for public inspection unless access is restricted or closed by law. This statutory framework ensures governmental transparency and accountability by providing citizens with access to arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies within Kauai County.
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. Pursuant to Hawaii Administrative Rules §8-101-3, conviction information is considered public record and may be disseminated without restriction. Members of the public seeking arrest records may obtain this information through designated channels established by county and state authorities.
It should be noted that certain records may be subject to redaction or restricted access in accordance with HRS §92F-13, which provides exceptions for records that, if disclosed, would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or could reasonably be expected to interfere with law enforcement proceedings.
Kauai County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center provides electronic access to conviction information through its eCrim portal, pursuant to HRS §846-2.7. This system allows authorized users to conduct criminal history record checks and retrieve information regarding arrests that resulted in convictions.
The Hawaii State Judiciary maintains the eCourt Kokua system, which provides public access to court case information, including cases stemming from arrests in Kauai County. In accordance with Hawaii Court Records Rules Rule 10.2, this system contains information on criminal cases filed with the courts, including defendant information, charges, hearing dates, and case dispositions.
Online access to these records is subject to user authentication requirements and applicable fees as established by administrative rules. The electronic availability of these records facilitates public access while maintaining compliance with state regulations regarding the dissemination of criminal justice information.
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public seeking to obtain arrest records in Kauai County. Pursuant to HRS §92F-11, government agencies must make records available for inspection and copying during regular business hours. The following methods are available for accessing Kauai County arrest records:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Kauai Police Department Records Division.
Kauai Police Department
3990 Kaana Street, Suite 200
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-1600
Kauai Police Department Official Website
The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center provides statewide criminal history record checks through its eCrim system. Users may create an account and submit requests electronically.
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
465 South King Street, Room 101
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 587-3100
Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the Hawaii State Judiciary eCourt Kokua system or by visiting the Kauai Judiciary Complex.
Kauai Judiciary Complex
3970 Kaana Street
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 482-2300
Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the record search, including full name and date of birth. Fees for record searches are assessed in accordance with Hawaii Administrative Rules §8-101-6, with current fees posted on the respective agency websites.
Arrest records maintained by Kauai County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by HRS §846-2.5. These records typically include the following elements:
The comprehensiveness of information contained in arrest records may vary based on the stage of criminal proceedings and the specific agency maintaining the record. Pursuant to HRS §846-9, agencies are required to maintain the accuracy and completeness of criminal history record information.
Under certain circumstances, individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records in Kauai County. The legal framework for expungement is established in HRS §831-3.2, which provides for the expungement of arrest records when:
The expungement process requires the submission of a formal petition to the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center. Pursuant to Hawaii Administrative Rules §8-101-7, petitioners must complete form CHRC-001, "Application for Expungement of Arrest Record," and provide supporting documentation. The application must be notarized and accompanied by the prescribed fee.
Upon approval of an expungement petition, the HCJDC will remove the arrest record from public access and issue a certificate of expungement to the petitioner. Law enforcement agencies and courts are subsequently required to seal or remove references to the expunged arrest from their publicly accessible records.
It should be noted that expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies for legitimate law enforcement purposes, as provided in HRS §831-3.2(g). Additionally, certain arrests related to specified offenses, particularly those involving violence or sexual conduct, may be ineligible for expungement under state law.