Hawaii County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Hawaii County?
Public records in Hawaii County are defined under the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F. According to this statute, public records include any written, auditory, visual, electronic, or other physical form in which government business is recorded and maintained by an agency. Hawaii County maintains numerous types of public records that are accessible to citizens and other interested parties.
The following categories of records are maintained by various Hawaii County departments:
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases processed through the Hawaii State Judiciary
- Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, assessments, and property tax information
- Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
- Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business names
- Tax Records: Property tax assessments, tax maps, and payment records
- Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information and election results
- Meeting Minutes and Agendas: County Council meetings, boards, and commissions
- Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
- Law Enforcement Records: Police reports, incident logs, and arrest records (with restrictions)
- Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning maps, and land use applications
The Hawaii County Clerk's Office maintains many of these records, while specialized departments manage others. For example, property records are maintained by the Real Property Tax Office, while vital records are managed by the Hawaii State Department of Health.
Is Hawaii County an Open Records County?
Hawaii County adheres to the state's open records laws as established in the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F. This comprehensive law establishes the public's right to access government records while balancing individual privacy interests.
Under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F-11, "All government records are open to public inspection unless access is restricted or closed by law." This provision creates a presumption of openness for government records in Hawaii County and throughout the state.
Hawaii County also complies with the state's Sunshine Law, Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92, which requires open meetings for government boards and commissions. The Hawaii County Council and other public bodies must conduct business transparently, with limited exceptions for executive sessions.
The Office of Information Practices (OIP) oversees implementation of both the UIPA and Sunshine Law throughout Hawaii, including Hawaii County. This state agency provides guidance on records access and resolves disputes regarding record requests.
Hawaii County has established specific procedures for handling public records requests in accordance with state law. These procedures are designed to facilitate timely access while protecting confidential information as required by statute.
How to Find Public Records in Hawaii County in 2026
Members of the public seeking records in Hawaii County may follow these procedures to locate and obtain the information they need:
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Identify the appropriate agency: Determine which county department or office maintains the records you seek. The Hawaii County website provides a directory of departments and their functions.
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Submit a formal request: While some records are available online, others require a formal request. Under the Uniform Information Practices Act, requests may be submitted in writing to the appropriate agency. Many departments offer standardized request forms.
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For property records: Visit the Real Property Tax Office online portal or in person at:
Hawaii County Real Property Tax Office
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-8201
Real Property Tax Office -
For court records: Access the Hawaii State Judiciary's eCourt Kokua system for case information or visit:
Third Circuit Court
777 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-7400
Hawaii State Judiciary -
For vital records: Contact the Hawaii State Department of Health or visit their office at:
Hawaii District Health Office
75 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-6006
Department of Health -
For county records: Visit the County Clerk's office at:
Hawaii County Clerk
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-8255
Hawaii County Clerk -
For business records: Contact the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs at:
DCCA - Business Registration Division
75 Aupuni Street, Room 108
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4000
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Agencies are required to respond to record requests within 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time. When submitting requests, be as specific as possible about the records you seek to facilitate prompt processing.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Hawaii County?
Hawaii County follows the fee structure established under the Uniform Information Practices Act for public records requests. Current fees are set pursuant to Hawaii Administrative Rules § 2-71-19, which authorizes agencies to charge reasonable fees for searching, reviewing, and segregating records.
Standard fees currently include:
- Copies: $0.25 per page for paper copies (8.5" x 11" or 8.5" x 14")
- Search, review, and segregation: $2.50 per 15 minutes of staff time (first hour free)
- Other formats: Actual cost of reproduction (e.g., CD, DVD, large-format copies)
- Postage: Actual cost if mailing is requested
Agencies may require prepayment of fees when estimated costs exceed $30. Payment methods typically include cash, check, or money order, though some departments may accept credit cards for in-person transactions.
Fee waivers are available in certain circumstances. Under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F-42(13), the Office of Information Practices has established guidelines for waiving fees when the disclosure is in the public interest. Requesters seeking a waiver should include justification with their request.
Specialized records may have different fee structures. For example:
- Certified copies of vital records: $10.00 for the first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy
- Court records: Vary by document type and certification requirements
- Real property tax records: Some online searches are free, while certified copies have specific fees
Agencies are required to provide a cost estimate before processing requests that may incur substantial fees.
Does Hawaii County Have Free Public Records?
Hawaii County provides free access to certain public records, consistent with state law that allows for inspection of records without charge. The following records are currently available at no cost:
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Online property information: Basic property details, assessments, and tax information are available through the Real Property Tax Office website at no charge.
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Meeting agendas and minutes: Hawaii County Council and board/commission meeting documents are freely available on the County Council website.
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Budget documents: Annual county budgets and financial reports can be accessed on the Department of Finance website.
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Election results: Past election outcomes are published on the Office of Elections website at no cost.
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County ordinances and codes: The Hawaii County Code is freely accessible online.
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Court case information: Basic case information is available through the eCourt Kokua system, though document copies may incur fees.
Members of the public may also inspect records in person at no charge during regular business hours at the appropriate county office. While inspection is free, copying or certification of records typically incurs the standard fees outlined in the previous section.
The Hawaii State Public Library System also provides free public computer access for searching online government records at branches throughout Hawaii County.
Who Can Request Public Records in Hawaii County?
Under the Uniform Information Practices Act, any person may request access to public records maintained by Hawaii County agencies. According to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F-11, agencies shall make government records available for inspection and copying by "any person," with limited exceptions.
Key provisions regarding eligibility include:
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Residency: There is no Hawaii residency requirement for requesting public records. Non-residents have the same rights of access as Hawaii residents.
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Identification: For most general records, requesters are not required to provide identification. However, certain sensitive records may require verification of identity, particularly when the requester seeks their own personal records.
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Purpose: Requesters generally do not need to state a reason or purpose for their request. The law specifically states that an agency may not require a requester to provide reasons for requesting access.
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Personal records: Under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F-21, individuals have special rights to access their own personal records. When requesting personal records, individuals must provide sufficient identification to verify their identity.
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Representatives: Attorneys, researchers, or other representatives may request records on behalf of clients, though additional documentation may be required for access to confidential information.
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Business entities: Corporations, partnerships, and other business entities may request public records through authorized representatives.
While the right to request records is broadly granted, access to specific records may be limited by confidentiality provisions as outlined in the following section.
What Records Are Confidential in Hawaii County?
While Hawaii County operates under a presumption of openness, certain records are exempt from disclosure under the Uniform Information Practices Act. Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F-13 establishes the following categories of confidential records:
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Personal privacy information: Records that would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Home addresses and telephone numbers of public employees
- Medical and health information
- Financial account numbers
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Law enforcement records: Information that could:
- Interfere with an ongoing investigation or prosecution
- Deprive a person of a right to a fair trial
- Disclose confidential sources or techniques
- Endanger the life or physical safety of an individual
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Juvenile records: Court records involving minors are generally confidential under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 571-84.
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Government deliberative process materials: Preliminary drafts, notes, and recommendations in which opinions are expressed or policies formulated.
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Professional and vocational licensing information: Certain examination materials, questions, and applicant information.
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Inter-agency or intra-agency deliberative materials: Records that would frustrate a legitimate government function if disclosed.
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Sealed court records: Records sealed by court order, including certain family court proceedings, adoptions, and expunged criminal records.
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Trade secrets and confidential business information: Proprietary information that would cause substantial competitive harm if disclosed.
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Attorney-client privileged communications: Legal advice and work product between county agencies and their attorneys.
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Security information: Records relating to the security or safety of government facilities, personnel, or information systems.
Hawaii County agencies apply a balancing test when determining whether to disclose records that contain potentially exempt information. This test weighs the public interest in disclosure against privacy interests or other statutory protections.
Hawaii County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Hawaii County does not have a separate Recorder's Office. Instead, recording functions are divided between the Bureau of Conveyances at the state level and various county departments for specific record types.
For property recordings and land records:
Hawaii State Bureau of Conveyances
601 Kamokila Boulevard, Room 120
Kapolei, HI 96707
(808) 587-0147
Bureau of Conveyances
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding state holidays)
For county records and documents:
Hawaii County Clerk's Office
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-8255
Hawaii County Clerk
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding county holidays)
For real property tax records:
Hawaii County Real Property Tax Office
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-8201
Real Property Tax Office
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding county holidays)
West Hawaii Office:
West Hawaii Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(808) 323-4880
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding county holidays)