Public records in Hawaii are governed by the Uniform Information Practices Law. It stipulates what information constitutes a public record, who can access it and which agency is responsible for keeping it. Every citizen is entitled to access public records, but for some of these documents specific eligibility criteria may apply. Also, while some of the information is available online free of charge, copies of official documents are often provided in exchange for a processing fee. Here you will find answers to some of the most common public records questions in Hawaii.
Are birth records in Hawaii public?
Hawaii birth records are confidential for the first 75 years and are only available to certain family members and authorized representatives. After 75 years, birth records become public and are available to everyone.
How do you order a certified copy of a birth certificate in Hawaii?
The fastest and easiest way to order a certified copy of a Hawaii birth certificate is online through the Department of Health. You will need a copy of your government ID and you will need to provide payment by credit or debit card. If you are unable to order online, you can order a certified copy of a birth certificate by completing and order form and mailing it to:
State Department of Health
Office of Health Status Monitoring
Issuance/Vital Statistics Section
PO Box 3378
Honolulu, HI 96801
You will need to enclose payment via cashier’s check, certified check or money order made payable to the State Department of Health.
Are death records public in Hawaii?
Hawaii death records are private for the first 75 years after the death occurred and are only available to certain family members, relatives and authorized parties. Death records for deaths that occurred in Hawaii more than 75 years ago are public records and can be requested by anyone.
How do you get a certified copy of a death certificate in Hawaii?
Certified copies of Hawaii death certificates can be obtained by completing an order form and mailing it along with a copy of photo government ID and payment via cashier’s check, certified check or money order to:
State Department of Health
Office of Health Status Monitoring
Issuance/Vital Statistics Section
PO Box 3378
Honolulu, HI 96801
You can also request death certificates in person at the main Hawaii Department of Health building on Oahu or the local District Health Office on the other islands.
Are Hawaii marriage records public information?
No, marriage records in Hawaii are confidential for the first 75 years and are only available to the people named on the marriage certificate, their relatives or their authorized legal representatives. After 75 years, the marriage records become public and are available to everyone.
How can you order a certified copy of a marriage certificate in Hawaii?
The fastest way to order a certified copy of a Hawaii marriage certificate or civil union certificate is online through the State Department of Health. You will need a copy of government photo ID and will need to pay a fee via credit or debit card. If you prefer to order by mail you will need to complete an order form and send it to:
State Department of Health
Office of Health Status Monitoring
Issuance/Vital Statistics Section
PO Box 3378
Honolulu, HI 96801
You will need to also send a copy of your photo ID as well as a cashier’s check, certified check or money order.
Are Hawaii divorce records available to the public?
Hawaii divorce records are public and can be searched for and viewed by anyone. You can search an online database of family court information at the Hawaii State Judiciary by name or by case number for divorce records. The database is called Hoohiki and it provides summary listings of all divorce records but does not provide the full documents.
How do you get a copy of a Hawaii divorce decree or certificate?
Copies of Hawaii divorce decrees or certificates are available at the family court in the circuit that the divorce was finalized in. You will need to contact the family court clerk in Oahu, Maui, Hawaii or Kauai to request a copy of a divorce certificate.
Are adoption records public in Hawaii?
Adoption records are sealed and are only available to the adult adoptee, their natural parents and their birth parents.
How do you request Hawaii adoption records?
Adult adoptees, their natural parents and their birth parents have been able to request access to their adoption records in Hawaii since June 2, 2016. To do so, they need to complete a form and submit their request in person or by mail to the Family Court in the circuit where the adoption took place. The Hawaii State Judiciary provides a list of Family Courts for each circuit.
Are Hawaii court records public?
Hawaii court records are public records and can be searched for in online databases provided by the Hawaii State Judiciary. Physical copies can also be ordered at the local court that handled the case. Some sensitive information contained in court records is not available to the public.
Are Hawaii criminal records public?
Yes, criminal records and arrest records that resulted in a conviction are public in Hawaii.
Where can you find criminal records in Hawaii?
The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center provides an eCrim service that allows you to search for criminal records online and order a criminal conviction report. The service requires registration as well as a small fee for each search and each report.
Hawaii also offers a more comprehensive criminal history record check that is also known as a police clearance or police abstract. This report is available by mailing a cashier’s check or money order to:
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
Attn: CHRC Unit
465 S. King Street, Room 102
Honolulu, HI 96813
Where can you find Hawaii property and land records?
You can find property and land records at the Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances. Documents that were recorded in 1992 or later are available online. Older documents are available by emailing the Bureau of Conveyances.
Where can you order your driver history record in Hawaii?
You can order a Hawaii driver history record at any of the District Courts in the state. The driving history can be ordered by mail or in person and requires completed ordered form.