Hawaii Civil Court Records - Hawaii Court Records

Hawaii Civil Court Records are official files that show how civil (non-criminal) cases are handled in the state’s courts. These records cover issues like property disputes, contract disagreements, small claims, and other personal or business matters. They include details such as the people or parties involved, what the case is about, and the final outcome decided by the court. These records are kept by local courts and follow a clear process from the start of a case to its resolution. They help show how civil law is followed and applied in everyday legal situations.

These records are useful for understanding how legal conflicts between individuals, families, or businesses are settled in Hawaii. They give a step-by-step look at how each case moved through the court, including what was filed, discussed, and decided. By reviewing these records, it’s easier to see how similar civil matters were handled in the past. Overall, Hawaii Civil Court Records help people learn about the legal system and how it works in real-world situations. For more detailed information, you can visit the Hawaii Court Records website.

What Are Civil Court Records?

Civil court records are official documents created and maintained by the Hawaii state court system during the course of civil legal proceedings. These records contain important details about disputes between individuals, businesses, or organizations that do not involve criminal charges. Civil cases are typically filed when one party seeks compensation, enforcement of rights, or other legal remedies from another party.

These records offer transparency into how disputes are resolved in court and help preserve the legal history of each case. They may include complaints, petitions, responses, court motions, hearing dates, orders, final judgments, and related documents.

Common Types of Civil Cases in Hawaii

Civil court records in Hawaii can involve a wide variety of non-criminal matters, including:

Small claims cases for financial disputes under a certain dollar amount (typically $5,000 or less)
Contract disputes involving written or verbal agreements
Personal injury lawsuits, such as those resulting from accidents or negligence
Landlord and tenant disagreements, including eviction proceedings
Real property or boundary disputes between landowners
Family-related civil issues like divorce, child custody, or child support (filed in Family Court)
Probate matters involving wills, estates, and guardianship
Requests for civil restraining orders or protective orders

Each of these case types produces court records that are stored and made available by the relevant Hawaii court.

Civil vs Criminal Records

It’s important to understand the difference between civil and criminal court records. Civil cases involve disputes between private parties and do not result in criminal penalties like jail time. Instead, civil courts issue judgments that may require one party to pay money, return property, or comply with other legal obligations.

Criminal cases, on the other hand, are initiated by the government to prosecute violations of the law, and can result in punishment such as fines, imprisonment, or probation. While both types of cases generate court records, they are kept separately and serve different legal purposes.

Public Access and Legal Use

In Hawaii, most civil court records are considered public information under the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA). This means that individuals have the right to view and request these records unless they have been sealed or restricted by the court for privacy or legal reasons.

Types of Civil Courts in Hawaii

Hawaii’s civil court system consists of various courts, each designated to hear specific types of civil matters. Understanding the distinctions among these courts helps individuals locate the appropriate venue for accessing public records related to a civil case. All records referenced here are part of publicly available sources maintained by the judiciary and are intended for personal use only.

District Courts

District Courts in Hawaii handle civil matters that generally involve smaller monetary amounts or specific categories of disputes. These include:

Small Claims: Civil disputes involving claims of $5,000 or less.
Landlord-Tenant Disputes: Non-criminal matters such as evictions, lease violations, or security deposit issues.
Other Civil Actions: Limited civil lawsuits with claims generally not exceeding $40,000.

These courts operate throughout Hawaii’s counties and provide individuals with access to case filings, judgments, and proceedings, depending on the case’s public availability.

Circuit Courts

Circuit Courts are the primary trial courts of general jurisdiction in Hawaii. They handle:

Higher-Value Civil Cases: Lawsuits involving claims exceeding $40,000.
Probate Matters: Cases related to wills, estates, guardianships, and conservatorships.
Complex Civil Litigation: Including class actions, tort claims, and equity matters.

Circuit Court civil records may contain detailed documents such as complaints, motions, orders, and final judgments.

Family Court

While Family Court mainly addresses issues related to family and domestic matters, certain cases fall under the civil category and may result in civil court records. These include:

Divorce Proceedings
Child Custody and Visitation
Adoptions
Guardianship Disputes

Public access to Family Court records may be restricted in sensitive cases, such as those involving minors, in accordance with Hawaii’s legal standards.

Specialized Courts

Hawaii’s judiciary also includes specialized courts that address particular types of civil matters:

Land and Tax Appeal Court: This court has exclusive jurisdiction over matters related to property tax assessments and land titles.
Environmental Court: A division of the Circuit Court that addresses civil and administrative environmental cases, including zoning, pollution control, and conservation disputes.

These courts contribute valuable case data relevant to land use, development, and environmental regulation. Publicly accessible records from these courts support individual research, legal reference, and educational purposes.

Appellate Courts

For cases requiring review beyond the trial level, Hawaii provides two appellate bodies:

Intermediate Court of Appeals: Reviews decisions from trial courts and administrative agencies.
Hawaii Supreme Court: The highest judicial authority in the state, hearing appeals on important legal issues or constitutional matters.

Civil appellate records often include briefs, motions, court opinions, and final rulings. These records are publicly accessible through Hawaii’s judiciary portals unless sealed by law.

Who Can Access Hawaii Civil Court Records?

Hawaii civil court records are considered public records and, in many cases, are accessible to individuals who wish to review case filings, decisions, and related documentation. These records offer transparency into the civil legal system and help residents stay informed about non-criminal proceedings.

General Public Accessibility

Under Hawaii’s Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), most civil court records are open to the public. This law supports the principle that government records should be available for inspection unless there is a legitimate reason to withhold them—such as privacy protection or legal restriction.

Eligible individuals who may access civil court records include:

Individuals involved in a case
Researchers, students, or journalists seeking public record data
Residents wishing to view proceedings in their community
Family members or personal representatives of parties in a case
Anyone who wants to verify civil legal activity in a personal context

Hawaii Judiciary’s online platforms, like eCourt Kokua and Ho‘ohiki, allow users to search for civil cases by party name, case number, or filing date. While these platforms offer convenient access to case information, users must understand that records are made available strictly for informational and personal purposes.

Legal Limitations on Usage

Although these records are publicly accessible, there are limitations on how they can be used. Individuals may not use Hawaii civil court records for the following purposes:

Screening individuals for employment, housing, insurance, or credit
Making decisions about eligibility for licenses, loans, or government benefits
Any use governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

It’s important to note that PeopleConnect is not a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA). This means the content and tools found on public record websites must not be used to evaluate someone for any formal decision related to credit, tenancy, employment, or similar purposes.

These restrictions are in place to protect consumer rights and ensure that public records are not misused in ways that could result in unfair treatment or privacy violations.

Hawaii Laws on Record Transparency

The UIPA allows access to most non-confidential civil case materials unless a record:

Contains private or sensitive personal data (e.g., Social Security numbers, medical history)
Involves minors or protected individuals
Has been sealed by court order
Is still under active investigation or not finalized

In such cases, some or all parts of a civil court record may be redacted or fully restricted. Anyone seeking access to these types of records may need to file a motion with the court or obtain a judge’s permission.

Public vs Confidential Civil Records

In Hawaii, civil court records are generally considered public documents. This means individuals may view or request these records to gain insight into legal proceedings such as lawsuits, probate matters, and civil disputes. Public access to court records supports transparency and trust in the judicial system, enabling individuals to stay informed about legal matters that may impact their interests.

However, not all civil court records are publicly accessible. Certain types of information are protected by law to preserve the privacy and safety of individuals involved in legal proceedings. Below is a breakdown of what is typically open to the public and what remains confidential.

Which Civil Court Records Are Public?

Many civil records are open for public inspection and may be accessed online or in person through Hawaii’s court system. These public records typically include:

Names of parties involved in the case
Case numbers and docket entries
Filing dates and hearing schedules
Civil complaints, petitions, and responses
Motions, rulings, and judgments issued by the court
Orders, settlements, and dismissals that are not sealed
Court hearing minutes and public transcripts (when available)

These records are made available in accordance with Hawaii’s Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), which promotes government transparency while protecting sensitive information where necessary.

Examples of Confidential or Restricted Civil Records

Certain civil records may be sealed or confidential due to privacy laws, judicial discretion, or legal protections. These documents are not made available to the public unless a court grants permission. Examples include:

Cases involving minors, such as guardianship or adoption
Sensitive family law documents, like custody evaluations or domestic violence protective orders
Records that contain personal identifying information, such as Social Security numbers or protected health data
Mental health evaluations or medical treatment records
Cases that have been sealed by court order, including some settlement agreements or expunged proceedings
Financial declarations, especially in divorce or probate cases

When records are confidential, they may still appear in the case index, but the content is redacted or withheld from public view.

Legal Basis for Sealing or Restricting Records

Confidentiality of civil court records in Hawaii is governed by a combination of state statutes, court rules, and constitutional principles. Courts may limit public access when disclosure would:

Violate a person’s right to privacy
Cause undue harm to a party involved
Disclose sensitive medical, financial, or personal data
Involve minors or vulnerable individuals
Compromise the integrity of a pending investigation or case

Judges review requests to seal records on a case-by-case basis. The decision is guided by Hawaii’s judiciary rules and legal standards that balance the public’s right to know against the individual’s right to privacy.

If a party wishes to access sealed or confidential material, they may need to file a formal motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal reason for the request. The court will evaluate such requests carefully before granting or denying access.

How to Find Hawaii Civil Court Records

Finding Hawaii civil court records can be a straightforward process when using the proper methods and resources. These records are public documents that typically contain information about non-criminal legal matters such as contract disputes, property claims, small claims cases, and family-related cases. Understanding how to search efficiently can help individuals locate records with greater ease.

Search by Case Number or Party Name

The Hawaii State Judiciary provides electronic access to court records through its official portals. Users may search for civil court records using either:

Case Number: If you know the full case number, this is the most direct method. It typically brings up the exact case file, avoiding unrelated search results.
Party Name: If the case number is unavailable, searching by the full legal name of one of the parties involved (plaintiff or defendant) is another effective approach. Be sure to include full names and verify correct spellings to improve accuracy.

It’s important to note that the information available through these search tools is provided for personal use only, and not for commercial, employment, or tenant screening purposes, in accordance with federal and state regulations.

Best Practices for Narrowing Your Search

To improve the efficiency and accuracy of your search, consider the following practices:

Use Full Legal Names: Avoid nicknames or abbreviations. Enter the name exactly as it appears in legal documents.
Specify Case Type or Court Location: If known, filter results by court location (such as circuit or district court) or case type (e.g., small claims, probate).
Include Filing Dates (If Applicable): When searching through court systems with large volumes of records, narrowing the date range can reduce irrelevant matches.
Review Multiple Results: If multiple results appear, check each entry for the correct filing date, court, and parties before assuming it is the right case.

These best practices can significantly minimize the likelihood of retrieving incorrect or unrelated records, ensuring a smoother search experience.

Avoiding Common Search Errors

Mistakes during the search process can lead to incomplete or inaccurate results. Here are some frequent errors to avoid:

Typographical Errors: Misspelled names, wrong case numbers, or reversed names can prevent matches from appearing.
Using Incomplete Information: Providing partial names or missing key identifiers may lead to an overwhelming number of irrelevant results or no results at all.
Not Checking Filters: Many databases allow users to apply filters such as court location, filing year, or case type. Failure to apply these can return overly broad results.
Incorrect Court Level: Ensure you’re searching the right court level (e.g., Circuit vs. District) based on the nature of the case.

If you’re unable to locate a record, double-check your spelling, try alternate name formats, or contact the appropriate Hawaii court clerk’s office for assistance.

Online Access to Hawaii Civil Court Records

Residents and researchers can conveniently view civil court records in Hawaii using online platforms authorized by the Hawaii State Judiciary. These digital resources help individuals locate public court documents related to civil matters without visiting a courthouse. The information accessible through these portals is intended for personal use only and should not be used for business, employment, or any other purposes restricted by law.

Using eCourt Kokua: For District, Circuit, Appellate, Land, and Tax Appeal Case

eCourt Kokua is an online portal provided by the Hawaii State Judiciary that offers access to a wide range of civil court records. This includes:

District Court cases (small claims, landlord-tenant)
Circuit Court cases (complex civil disputes, probate)
Appellate Court cases (Intermediate and Supreme Court)
Land Court and Tax Appeal Court records

Steps to Search eCourt Kokua:

Visit the official eCourt Kokua website: https://jimspss1.courts.state.hi.us/JEFS
Choose the relevant court level (e.g., District, Circuit).
Enter your search criteria such as:
- Case number (if known)
- Party name
- Filing date range
Review the list of matching cases.
Click on a case number to view docket information and filings.

Using Ho‘ohiki: For Family Court Records

Ho‘ohiki is the digital access system for Family Court civil records such as divorce filings, custody decisions, or adoption proceedings—when public access is permitted.

How to Use Ho‘ohiki:

Access the site at: https://www.courts.state.hi.us/legal_references/records/hoohiki
Search by:
- Case ID
- Party’s full name
- Case filing date range
View available docket entries and court actions.

Search Filters and Viewing Options

Both eCourt Kokua and Ho‘ohiki provide filtering tools to narrow your results. Users can refine searches by:

Case type (e.g., probate, small claims, divorce)
Date of filing or judgment
Court location (circuit or district)
Party role (plaintiff, defendant, petitioner)

The search results typically include docket summaries, hearing schedules, court orders, and filing dates. Actual documents may not always be available for download and may require an in-person request.

Fees and Download Guidelines

Viewing case summaries is free.
Downloading full documents may include the following fees:
- $3.00 flat fee for the first 30 pages
- $0.10 per additional page beyond 30 pages
Payment for electronic access may require a secure online account.
Physical copies requested at the courthouse may include copying and certification fees.

Important Use and Compliance Notice

The information provided through these court systems is made available for individual informational purposes only. It must not be used:

To make decisions related to employment, tenancy, credit, or insurance
In connection with any business or commercial transactions
As part of any screening process, whether professional or informal

These platforms are not affiliated with or governed under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Using information from court records for purposes that violate this federal law is strictly prohibited.

Accessing Hawaii Civil Court Records In Person or By Mail

If you prefer not to access Hawaii civil court records online, you may visit the courthouse in person or submit a request by mail. Both methods are available to individuals seeking information for personal review or documentation purposes in accordance with Hawaii state law.

Visiting a Court Clerk’s Office in Person

Hawaii’s Circuit and District Courts maintain physical records of civil cases, which are generally open to public inspection unless restricted by law or sealed by a court order. To access these records in person:

Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed. You can identify the correct location based on the case jurisdiction (District, Circuit, Family Court, etc.).
Go to the records division or clerk’s office during normal business hours (typically Monday to Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays).
Use available public terminals or request assistance from court staff for locating a file using a party name or case number.

Required Documents and Information

To facilitate your search, be prepared with the following details:

Full name of at least one party involved
Case number (if available)
Date of filing or approximate time frame
Type of case (e.g., small claims, civil complaint, probate)
Valid photo ID may be required to verify your identity if accessing sensitive documents

Providing complete and accurate information helps court staff locate the appropriate file efficiently.

Submitting a Mail Request

If you are unable to visit the courthouse in person, you can request civil court records by mail. To do so:

Write a formal request letter including:
- Your full name and contact information
- Case details (name(s) of parties, case number, type of case)
- Specific documents being requested (e.g., complaint, judgment, order)
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) for document return
Enclose payment (usually by check or money order payable to the appropriate court)
Send your request to the clerk’s office of the court where the case was filed. Addresses can be found on the official Hawaii State Judiciary website.

Copy Request Process and Fees

When requesting copies of civil court records, whether in person or by mail, note the following:

Standard Copy Fee: Approximately $0.50 to $1.00 per page
Certified Copy Fee: An additional $2.00 to $5.00 per document
Search Fees: May apply if detailed research or retrieval is needed by court staff

Always confirm the latest fee schedule with the courthouse before sending payment.

Accepted Payment Methods

Each courthouse may accept slightly different payment methods, but in general:

In-person requests: Accepted payments include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit card (if applicable).
Mail requests: Payment is typically accepted in the form of certified check or money order. Never send cash by mail.

Be sure to review the specific courthouse’s guidelines, as payment policies can vary by location.

Important Reminders

This information is provided for personal use only and is not intended to be used for employment screening, tenant decisions, credit evaluation, or any other purpose restricted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Records accessed are public records, not confidential consumer reports.
Some civil court records may be restricted or sealed and not available for general public viewing.

For up-to-date courthouse addresses, contact details, or hours of operation, please refer to the Hawaii Judiciary official website.

How to Request Older or Archived Civil Records

Older or archived civil court records in Hawaii may not be available through modern online databases. These records, which were created before the adoption of the state’s electronic case management systems, are often stored in physical archives or on microfilm. However, individuals can still request access to these records through approved and lawful procedures.

Accessing Pre-Digitization Records

Hawaii’s Judiciary began digitizing court records in phases starting in the late 1990s and 2000s. As a result, civil case records filed before the implementation of these systems may only be available as paper documents. These historical records are typically stored at the court where the case was filed or at the Hawaii State Archives, depending on the age and status of the case.

If the case was filed several decades ago, it may have been transferred to the State Archives for long-term preservation. Accessing these records can be important for personal matters such as understanding past legal disputes, verifying estate matters, or researching family legal history — all within the permitted bounds of personal use.

Hawaii State Archives Procedures

The Hawaii State Archives maintains selected civil court records transferred from circuit and district courts. The public can visit the archives in person to view records or submit a request by mail or email. Access is permitted for personal, historical, or informational purposes, in accordance with public record laws.

When making a request to the Hawaii State Archives, it is helpful to provide the following:

Full names of the parties involved
Estimated year the case was filed
Type of civil case (e.g., divorce, contract, property)
Court where the case originated (Circuit or District)

The staff may require a few business days to locate and prepare records. Copies may be subject to a reproduction fee, and availability depends on the physical condition of the documents.

For updated procedures or forms, visit the official website of the Hawaii State Archives or contact them by phone during business hours.

Timeframes for Record Availability

The timeframe for how far back court records are available varies by court type and jurisdiction:

District Court Records: May go back to the 1970s–1980s
Circuit Court Civil Cases: Often available from the 1950s onward
Family or Probate Civil Records: Depending on location, may date back earlier
Land Court Records: Sometimes extend into the early 1900s

Keep in mind that not all records are archived indefinitely. Some may have been destroyed under official records retention schedules, especially if the case was minor or inactive for many years.

Archival Request Process

To request archived civil records, follow these general steps:

Identify the Source of the Record
Determine whether the record is stored at the courthouse or the Hawaii State Archives.
Gather Case Details
Collect any information you have: party names, filing dates, case type, court name, or docket number.
Submit Your Request
- In Person: Visit the archives or courthouse clerk’s office to search available indexes.
- By Mail or Email: Send a formal written request including your contact details and the case specifics.
- Online (if supported): Some courts or agencies may allow limited requests via forms available on their websites.
Await Confirmation and Fulfillment
Processing times may vary. In-person requests may be handled the same day, while mail requests could take up to several weeks depending on volume and staffing.
Review Fees and Payment Instructions
Payment may be required for copying or certification. Confirm accepted payment methods (check, money order, or credit card) before sending.

Court Contact Information for Civil Records

If you need to ask questions or request Hawaii civil court records, you can contact the appropriate court directly. Below are the main Circuit and District Courts in Hawaii along with their contact details. This information is provided for personal use only and must not be used for commercial or FCRA-restricted purposes.

Oʻahu – First Circuit Court (Honolulu)

Address: 777 Punchbowl St, Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 539-4777
Email: 1cc@courts.hawaii.gov
Hours: Mon–Fri, 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM

Honolulu District Court

Address: 1111 Alakea St, Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 538-5629
Email: district1@courts.hawaii.gov

Maui – Second Circuit Court (Wailuku)

Address: 2145 Main St, Wailuku, HI 96793
Phone: (808) 244-2700
Email: 2cc@courts.hawaii.gov

FAQ’s

If you’re looking to access Hawaii Civil Court Records quickly or have any questions about the process, you’re in the right place! Here’s everything you need to know about searching for court cases, dockets, and other public records related to civil matters in Hawaii.

What are Hawaii civil court records?

Hawaii civil court records are official legal documents that track the progress and outcome of non-criminal disputes handled in the state’s court system. These records include matters such as property disagreements, small claims, personal injury cases, landlord-tenant issues, and contractual disputes. Each record provides a timeline of court activities, including filings, motions, hearing dates, and final judgments. Hawaii civil court records are maintained for transparency and legal reference, reflecting the civil litigation process accurately for future use or personal review.

Where are Hawaii civil court records stored?

Hawaii civil court records are stored and maintained by the Judiciary of the State of Hawaii. These records are housed either physically at the relevant courthouse or digitally through the Hawaii Judiciary Information Management System (JIMS). The storage location depends on the type of civil case and how recently it was filed. Some courts provide limited online access for public viewing, while older records may be archived in courthouse storage. Local district and circuit courts manage these files based on jurisdiction and civil case type.

What details are included in a Hawaii civil court record?

Hawaii civil court records typically include:

Names of all parties involved, case number, and court location
Legal complaints, counterclaims, motions, and orders issued by the judge
Dates of hearings, trial proceedings, and final rulings or settlements
Supporting materials like affidavits, witness statements, and legal briefs
A record of all court appearances and procedural updates

These components provide a clear timeline of the civil case and allow for thorough understanding of how the matter was legally resolved.

Are Hawaii civil court records public?

Yes, most Hawaii civil court records are public and accessible under state law to ensure legal transparency. However, access may be restricted in certain situations, such as cases involving juvenile parties, sealed records, or sensitive personal data. Public records can often be viewed at the clerk’s office of the respective courthouse, while select records may also be accessed online via official court portals. These access rights support accountability while also respecting privacy laws where necessary.

How long are Hawaii civil court records kept?

The retention period for Hawaii civil court records varies depending on the case type and the court’s filing system. Generally, these records are preserved for a minimum number of years after the case concludes, and some are archived permanently. Courts may use specific schedules to determine:

How long to retain physical or electronic files
When to transfer older records to archival storage
What civil cases qualify for long-term or indefinite retention

These procedures ensure public records remain available while allowing for efficient court record management statewide.