Hawaii Criminal Court Records - Hawaii Court Records

Hawaii Criminal Court Records are official documents that explain what happened in criminal cases across the state. They include important details like the charges, court dates, decisions, and outcomes for each case. These records are created by the courts and follow the legal steps taken from the time someone is charged until the case is resolved. You’ll usually find the names of the people involved, case numbers, and how the court handled each situation. They show how Hawaii’s criminal laws are followed and enforced.

These records are helpful for understanding how criminal cases move through the court system. The specific information available in Hawaii Court Records can vary depending on the type of crime and the court involved, offering a clear view of each stage in the legal process. Whether it’s a small offense or a serious charge, the court keeps track of every step to ensure everything is properly recorded and legally accurate.

How to Search Hawaii Criminal Court Records

Accessing criminal court records in Hawaii can be done through publicly available government systems, in line with the state’s Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA). This law promotes government transparency by allowing individuals to request and view public records — including many criminal court documents unless those records are restricted by law.

Public Access Rights Under the UIPA

The UIPA grants residents and visitors the right to access public records from Hawaii state and local agencies, including courts. Criminal court records generally fall under this category, unless they are protected due to confidentiality such as records involving juveniles, sealed cases, or expunged histories.

What You Can Access:

Court dates, charges, and outcomes for adult criminal cases
Case numbers and filing details
Sentencing and disposition outcomes
Case status (active, closed, dismissed, etc.)

What May Be Restricted:

Juvenile court records
Records under court seal
Expunged convictions
Sensitive victim or witness information

Always keep in mind: while most adult criminal records are public, specific laws and privacy protections apply to certain categories of cases.

Where and How to Search Criminal Court Records in Hawaii

The Judiciary of Hawaii provides online access to public court case records through its eCourt Kokua portal. Users can search court dockets and status updates for most criminal proceedings.

How to Search:

Visit: eCourt Kokua
Use the case number or party name
Filter by circuit or district court if needed

This portal does not provide full background checks or confidential case data. It is intended to give the public access to open court files for informational and lawful personal purposes only.

eCrim (Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center)

The eCrim system allows individuals to request adult criminal conviction records. It is operated by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC).

Steps to Use eCrim:

Register for an account at eCrim
Submit a name-based search (with optional SSN for accuracy)
Pay a fee (usually $5 for a search; $15 for a certified report)
View or download the conviction history

Note: eCrim does not include pending charges, juvenile information, or arrest records that didn’t lead to a conviction.

Limitations You Should Know

These searches are strictly for personal use. Records should not be used:

To make decisions about hiring, renting, lending, or insuring someone
In connection with employment screening
For tenant applications or lease decisions
To determine eligibility for government benefits, credit, or legal action

Using public records for these purposes violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and may lead to legal consequences.

Furthermore, the results from eCourt Kokua or eCrim:

May not include all court outcomes or charges
Could reflect delays in updates
Should not be used to assume someone’s guilt, reliability, or financial standing

Best Practices for Successful Searches

Always enter names carefully and try variations (e.g., maiden names or aliases)
Use accurate date of birth for better matching
Respect the intended lawful use — never resell or misuse the information
Check multiple systems (e.g., both eCrim and eCourt Kokua) if needed

Online Access to Criminal Records in Hawaii

Residents and individuals interested in public court information can access Hawaii criminal records through official state-run systems. These online platforms are designed to provide transparency into the state’s criminal justice proceedings. However, it’s important to understand that this access is intended strictly for personal use and must not be used for business decisions or commercial purposes.

eCrim Portal – Adult Criminal Conviction History

The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC) operates the eCrim system, which allows users to search for adult criminal conviction histories in the state of Hawaii. This platform is accessible to individuals who wish to view criminal convictions that have been processed through the Hawaii court system.

To search records on eCrim, users must create an account and provide basic identifying information, such as:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Other identifiers (e.g., Social Security Number or aliases, if available)

The eCrim portal does not include juvenile records, arrest-only records without conviction, or sealed/expunged cases. Only adult criminal conviction records that are part of the public record will be available.

Cost and Processing Time:

Name search: $5.00 per person
Certified copy: $15.00 per person
Delivery: Typically immediate, as records are generated online
Payment methods accepted include major credit cards.

Note: These fees are accurate at the time of writing but may be subject to change. Users should verify directly on the official eCrim website.

Judiciary eCourt Kokua – Case Lookup System

For additional court-related information, the Hawaii State Judiciary provides access to court records via the eCourt Kokua system. This platform allows individuals to search by name, case number, or citation number to locate publicly accessible documents from criminal proceedings, including:

Case filings
Hearing dates
Judgments
Disposition summaries

Please be aware that eCourt Kokua does not display criminal history summaries, but rather court documents and activity related to individual cases.

Required Information for Online Searches

When searching on either eCrim or eCourt Kokua, it is recommended to have the following details for the most accurate results:

Full legal name (including middle name or initial)
Date of birth
Case number (if available)
Known aliases (if applicable)

Partial or incorrect information may lead to incomplete or no search results. Users are encouraged to review their entries carefully.

Rights and Limitations of Public Record Access

Under Hawaii’s Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), individuals have the right to access public records maintained by government agencies. However, access comes with the following limitations:

For Personal Use Only: The information obtained must be used for individual reference purposes only. It may not be used for business-related decision-making such as hiring, tenant selection, credit assessments, or insurance underwriting.
Not for FCRA-Purposes: These records may not be used in any way that violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act. This includes—but is not limited to—employment screening, housing applications, loan qualification, or eligibility for government benefits.
No Guarantee of Accuracy or Completeness: While the systems aim to provide up-to-date information, users should understand that records may not reflect the most recent case updates or court actions. Sealed and expunged records will not appear in these searches.
Restricted Records: Juvenile records, sealed cases, or cases protected by law (such as those involving protective orders or victims’ identities) will not be visible through these systems.

Responsible Use of Information

It is essential that individuals accessing Hawaii’s public criminal records use the information responsibly and ethically. Using publicly accessible criminal records to harm, harass, or misrepresent others may lead to civil penalties or legal consequences. Additionally, under affiliate compliance rules, this content does not suggest or imply that users may use this information for any commercial or eligibility-related purpose.

How to Request Criminal Court Records by Mail or In Person in Hawaii

Requesting criminal court records in Hawaii can be done through official government channels by mail or in person. These records are typically maintained by local law enforcement agencies and the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC). Individuals who prefer not to use online platforms may find these options more suitable, especially when needing certified documents.

Requesting Through the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (CHRC)

The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center offers a service known as the Criminal History Record Check (CHRC). This can be requested by individuals who want to view their own publicly available conviction history.

There are two primary methods for requesting a CHRC:

Name-Based Criminal History Check

This is the most commonly requested type. It involves submitting:

Your full legal name
Date of birth
A completed Request for Criminal History Record Check form

This method is less comprehensive but is generally faster and sufficient for personal reference.

Fee: $30 per name
Processing time: 7–10 business days (may vary depending on mail volume and holidays)

Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Check

Fingerprint-based checks are considered more accurate because they rely on biometric data to match records. This method is often preferred by individuals who want to ensure completeness, especially if they’ve changed their name or have similar identifiers to others.

To complete this:

Visit a local police department in Hawaii or authorized fingerprinting agency
Submit fingerprint cards along with the CHRC request form
Include a government-issued photo ID (e.g., Hawaii driver’s license or passport)

Fee: Varies by location (fingerprint rolling fee + CHRC processing fee)
Processing time: Usually 10–15 business days

Accepted Forms of Identification

To submit your request in person or via mail, you’ll need one of the following valid IDs:

State-issued driver’s license or ID card
U.S. passport
Military ID
Other government-issued photo identification

All documents must be current and not expired.

Where to Submit In-Person or Mail Requests

Requests can be submitted at the following local law enforcement locations or mailed directly to the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center:

Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center

465 South King Street, Room 102
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 587-3100
Website: ag.hawaii.gov/hcjdc

Local Police Departments Across Counties

Here are some commonly used contact points based on location:

Honolulu Police Department
- 801 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
- (808) 529-3111
Maui Police Department
- 55 Mahalani Street, Wailuku, HI 96793
- (808) 244-6400
Hawaii County Police Department (Hilo)
- 349 Kapiolani Street, Hilo, HI 96720
- (808) 961-2226
Kauai Police Department
- 3990 Kaana Street, Suite 200, Lihue, HI 96766
- (808) 241-1711

We recommend contacting the department ahead of time to confirm current fees, office hours, and processing protocols.

Important Notes

Personal Use Only: The information obtained through CHRC and related records is strictly for individual reference. It should not be used to evaluate someone for employment, credit, tenancy, or any other purpose regulated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
These services cannot be used for screening others for professional, business, insurance, or government benefit purposes.

Types of Criminal Court Records Available in Hawaii

Criminal court records in Hawaii include various documents and filings generated through the legal process when an individual is accused of committing a crime. These records are maintained by courts and law enforcement agencies across the state. They are generally part of the public record, though access may be limited in certain cases, such as when a record is sealed or expunged.

Below is an overview of the most commonly available types of criminal court records in Hawaii. These can help individuals learn about historical legal proceedings involving themselves or others, strictly for personal use.

Arrest Records

Arrest records provide information about an individual’s detainment by law enforcement authorities. These records typically include:

The name of the individual arrested
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Charges brought at the time of arrest
The arresting agency

Please note that an arrest record does not prove guilt and may not always result in a court case or conviction. Some arrest records may later be dismissed or expunged depending on the court outcome.

Conviction Records

Conviction records are created when an individual is found guilty of a criminal offense in a court of law. These records usually include:

The nature and classification of the offense (felony or misdemeanor)
Sentencing information (probation, imprisonment, fines)
Case disposition and dates
Court location and presiding judge

Conviction records are part of the judicial record and may be accessible unless sealed by the court.

Misdemeanor and Felony Case Files

Criminal case files document the official court proceedings. These may be divided into:

Misdemeanor cases, which typically involve lesser offenses punishable by up to one year in jail
Felony cases, which involve more serious charges and may carry penalties beyond one year of incarceration

Case files may contain docket entries, pleadings, motions, and final judgments. Availability may depend on whether the case is still active or has been sealed due to legal circumstances.

Trial Transcripts and Sentencing Orders

Trial transcripts include verbatim accounts of courtroom proceedings, often recorded by certified court reporters. These may detail:

Witness testimonies
Opening and closing statements
Legal arguments and objections
Jury decisions or judge rulings

Sentencing orders specify the penalties imposed by the court after a conviction and may include jail time, probation terms, rehabilitation mandates, or financial penalties.

Access to trial transcripts may be limited based on court rules, and transcription services may involve a processing fee.

Warrants, Docket Sheets, and Hearing Notices

These records are procedural in nature and provide additional insights into the criminal justice process.

Warrants: Issued by a judge, warrants authorize law enforcement to arrest an individual or search a specified location. Types may include arrest warrants or bench warrants.
Docket Sheets: Summarize all activities in a criminal case, listing motions filed, court dates, actions taken by the court, and disposition.
Hearing Notices: Formal documents that inform involved parties about upcoming court appearances, including arraignments, trials, or sentencing dates.

These documents are valuable for understanding the timeline and progression of a criminal case in Hawaii courts.

Important Note on Access and Use

The information provided in criminal court records is derived from official public records. However, not all records may be accessible, especially those involving minors, sealed cases, or expunged charges.

All access and usage of these records must strictly comply with Hawaii state laws and applicable federal guidelines. These records are intended for personal informational purposes only. They must not be used to make decisions related to employment, housing, credit, insurance, or any other activity governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Records That May Be Restricted

While many criminal court records are publicly available, certain records are not accessible due to legal restrictions, including:

Juvenile records
Sealed or expunged convictions
Certain ongoing investigations or protective orders

The Hawaii Judiciary and other public agencies determine access levels based on applicable laws.

Fees and Processing Times

When requesting Hawaii criminal court records, it is important to understand the fees involved and how long it typically takes to receive the requested information. This section provides a clear overview of the common fees associated with various types of criminal record searches and explains the processing times you can expect.

eCrim Fees

The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (CJDC) offers the eCrim system, an online portal where individuals can request criminal conviction history information. The fees are as follows:

Name-Based Search: $5 per search. This provides basic conviction history linked to the individual’s name.
Certified Copies: $15 for certified copies of the criminal record, which may be required for official purposes.

These fees are subject to change by the CJDC, and payments are generally accepted via credit card when ordering online. The eCrim system allows relatively quick access to records, often providing instant or same-day results for uncertified copies, while certified copies may take a few business days for processing and delivery.

Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) Fees

If you require a more detailed criminal history, including fingerprint-based background checks, requests must be submitted through the Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) process. This method typically involves:

Name-Based Check: $30 per search.
Fingerprint-Based Check: Fees may vary and generally are higher due to the involvement of fingerprint processing.

Requests via CHRC can be made by mail or in person at designated police departments or law enforcement offices in Hawaii. Payments often need to be made via cashier’s check or money order. The turnaround time for CHRC requests usually ranges from 7 to 10 business days, depending on the volume of requests and processing speed.

Expedited Services

Currently, Hawaii does not offer standardized expedited processing for criminal court record requests through the eCrim or CHRC systems. Processing times may vary based on demand, but users are advised to submit requests well in advance of any deadlines.

Certified vs. Uncertified Copies

Certified Copies: These are official documents with a seal or signature from the issuing agency, often required for legal, employment, or licensing purposes. Certified copies typically incur higher fees and take longer to process than uncertified records.
Uncertified Copies: These are unofficial copies that can be accessed more quickly and at a lower cost but may not be accepted for all official uses.

Important Considerations

All record requests must be for personal use only. Using these records for employment screening, tenant screening, credit decisions, or other business-related purposes is prohibited under applicable regulations.
The availability and accuracy of records depend on the reporting agency’s data updates and may not include the most recent court actions immediately.
Fees and procedures are subject to change by the relevant Hawaii authorities; it is recommended to verify current details with the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center or the Judiciary’s official websites before submitting requests.

Expungement and Sealing of Criminal Records in Hawaii

In Hawaii, individuals who have previously been involved in the criminal justice system may have options to limit public access to their criminal records through processes known as expungement or record sealing. These legal procedures help eligible individuals clear or conceal certain records from public databases, depending on the case outcome and the type of record. While not all criminal history records can be removed, Hawaii law allows qualified individuals to apply for these options through a formal process. Understanding the differences between sealing and expunging, as well as knowing how to apply, is essential for those seeking to manage their criminal record in accordance with the law.

Understanding Expungement in Hawaii

In the state of Hawaii, expungement is the legal process of erasing or removing specific criminal records from public view. Once a record is expunged, it is no longer visible to the general public, though it may still be retained by law enforcement for limited internal purposes. Expungement does not mean that the event never occurred; rather, it means the record is no longer publicly accessible in most standard background checks or court record lookups.

Expungement is often considered by individuals who were:

Arrested but not charged
Charged but later had charges dismissed
Found not guilty by the court
In certain cases, convicted of specific low-level offenses but meet eligibility requirements

Each expungement case is evaluated on its own merits based on the laws and eligibility criteria of Hawaii.

Sealing vs. Expunging Criminal Records: What’s the Difference?

While both sealing and expungement limit public access to criminal records, they are not the same:

Sealed Records are hidden from public access but are still maintained within the judicial system. These records may be accessed by courts, law enforcement, or certain government agencies under specific circumstances.
Expunged Records, on the other hand, are removed from the public domain entirely and, in most cases, no longer appear in state-run record searches.

In Hawaii, some types of records may be eligible for sealing (especially juvenile cases), while others may qualify for expungement. It is important to consult the most up-to-date state laws and forms before beginning the process.

Who May Be Eligible for Expungement in Hawaii

Eligibility for expungement varies depending on the type of offense, the outcome of the case, and the time that has passed. The following are examples of individuals who may qualify:

Individuals who were arrested but never formally charged
Individuals whose case was dismissed with prejudice
Persons found not guilty after trial
Those who completed a deferred acceptance of a guilty or no contest plea (DAGP or DANC) and satisfied all court conditions
Certain low-level, non-violent misdemeanors (on a case-by-case basis)

Not all offenses are eligible, and felony convictions typically do not qualify for expungement under Hawaii law.

How to Apply for Expungement in Hawaii

The process of applying for expungement typically includes the following steps:

Obtain the Required Form

You may request the “Application for Expungement” form from the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC) or download it from their official website.

Complete the Application Accurately

Fill out all required sections, including:

Personal identification
Arrest information (date, location, agency)
Case disposition (e.g., dismissed, not guilty)

Pay the Applicable Fee

The current fee for filing an expungement request in Hawaii is typically $35 for the first request and $50 for each additional request, though this is subject to change. Fees must be submitted in the form of a cashier’s check or money order made payable to the State of Hawaii.

Submit the Application

Send the completed form and payment to:
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
Attn: Expungement Section
465 S. King Street, Room 102
Honolulu, HI 96813

Processing may take up to 120 days. You will be notified in writing of the outcome.

Sealing Juvenile Records in Hawaii

Juvenile records in Hawaii are handled differently than adult criminal records. In many cases, juvenile records are automatically sealed once the individual reaches a certain age or after a specific period of law-abiding behavior.

However, individuals may also petition the Family Court to have records sealed sooner. Sealing a juvenile record may help limit its visibility in court databases and background searches.

Important notes:

Not all juvenile records are eligible for sealing
Serious offenses, especially those transferred to adult court, may not qualify
You may be required to demonstrate rehabilitation or provide court documentation

For accurate guidance, it’s recommended to check with Hawaii’s Family Court or a legal aid organization familiar with juvenile justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re looking to access Hawaii Criminal 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 criminal case files, court dockets, and related public records in Hawaii.

Can I look up someone’s record anonymously?

Yes, in Hawaii, you can look up someone’s court record anonymously through official platforms like eCourt Kokua or Ho‘ohiki. These online systems allow public users to search by name or case number without logging in or providing personal details. As long as the court record is not sealed or restricted, it can be accessed anonymously. However, system activity may be monitored for security, and sensitive legal documents may still require authorization for access.

How long do records stay public in Hawaii?

Most Hawaii court records remain publicly accessible unless they are sealed, expunged, or otherwise restricted by court order. The duration of public availability depends on case type, but generally:

Criminal and civil case records remain public unless legally expunged
Juvenile and certain family court cases may be sealed after a period or based on eligibility
Traffic and small claims records typically stay public for many years

For accurate status, always verify with the specific court handling the case.

Do expunged records show in background checks?

No, expunged court records in Hawaii do not show up in public background checks. Once a record is expunged, it is legally removed from court and police databases, offering individuals a clean slate.

Expunged records are hidden from employers, landlords, and most public searches
The person may legally deny the incident occurred
Some federal or government agencies may still access sealed data if legally permitted

It’s essential to confirm that your expungement request has been finalized by the court.

How do I fix an error in my record?

To fix an error in a Hawaii court record, you’ll need to contact the courthouse where the record originated. Begin by reviewing the incorrect information, then submit a formal correction request.

Gather documentation that proves the correct information
Complete the necessary correction or amendment form (if provided)
Include the case number and error details in your submission
Pay any applicable fees and follow up with the court clerk for status updates