Hawaii County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Hawaii County
Arrest records in Hawaii County are considered public information with certain limitations pursuant to Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), codified in Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F. This statute establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those related to arrests. Under current Hawaii law, adult arrest records that result in convictions are fully accessible to the public.
However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. According to the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center, arrest records that did not result in convictions are generally not considered public information. This distinction is critical for members of the public seeking information about individuals' criminal histories in Hawaii County.
The Hawaii Revised Statutes § 846-9 specifically addresses criminal history record information and establishes that:
- Conviction information is public and may be disseminated without restriction
- Non-conviction information (arrests not resulting in convictions) has restricted access
- Juvenile records are confidential and not publicly accessible
The Hawai'i Police Department maintains booking logs that are publicly accessible, though these contain limited information about recent arrests rather than comprehensive criminal histories. These records are subject to the 48-hour rule, wherein police must charge an arrested individual within that timeframe or release them.
What's in Hawaii County Arrest Records
Hawaii County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals. The content of these records is governed by Hawaii Administrative Rules and departmental policies. A comprehensive Hawaii County arrest record typically includes:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Address at time of arrest
- Identification numbers (state ID, booking number)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Reason for arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance numbers violated
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, petty misdemeanor)
- Charge descriptions
- Charge severity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Warrant type
- Date issued
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking facility
- Booking officer
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Whether bail was posted
- Type of bail (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bail conditions
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court disposition (if available)
Custody Status:
- Whether in custody or released
- Release date (if applicable)
- Release conditions (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Fingerprints
- Photographs (mugshots)
- Prior arrest history
- Risk assessment scores
- Medical screening information (redacted in public versions)
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F-13, which outlines exceptions to disclosure.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Hawaii County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Hawaii County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The primary methods for accessing arrest records are:
- Submit a request to the Hawai'i Police Department Records Section:
- Complete a Request for Police Report form
- Provide proper identification
- Pay applicable fees ($5.00 for the first page, $0.25 for each additional page)
- Submit request in person or by mail
Hawai'i Police Department - Records and Identification Section
349 Kapi'olani Street
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 935-3311
Hawai'i Police Department
- Request criminal history information from the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center:
- Submit a Criminal History Record Check request form
- Provide fingerprints (for complete criminal history)
- Pay required fees ($30.00 per name check)
- Allow processing time (typically 5-7 business days)
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
465 South King Street, Room 101
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 587-3100
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
-
Check the Hawai'i Police Department booking logs:
- Visit the police department booking logs webpage
- Review recent arrest information (updated regularly)
- Note that these logs contain limited information and are not comprehensive criminal histories
-
Visit the Hawaii State Judiciary eCourt Kokua system:
- Access the online court records database
- Search by name or case number
- Review case information, including charges and court dates
- Note that this system shows court cases, not necessarily all arrests
When requesting arrest records, requestors must provide:
- The full name of the person whose record is sought
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Proof of identity
Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F-11, government agencies must respond to record requests within 10 business days. Complex requests may require additional time.
How To Find Hawaii County Arrest Records Online
Hawaii County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though they may contain more limited information. The following online resources are currently available:
-
Hawai'i Police Department Booking Logs
- Navigate to the Hawai'i Police Department booking logs webpage
- Review chronological listings of recent arrests
- Information includes name, age, residence, and charges
- Updated regularly with new booking information
- Does not include comprehensive criminal history
-
eCourt Kokua System
- Access the Hawaii State Judiciary's eCourt Kokua portal
- Create a free account or continue as guest
- Search by name or case number
- View case information, charges, hearing dates, and dispositions
- System includes traffic, criminal, and civil cases
-
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center eCheck Service
- Visit the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center website
- Register for an account (requires registration and fees)
- Submit name-based criminal history check requests
- Receive results electronically
- Service primarily designed for authorized agencies
-
Hawaii State Sex Offender Registry
- Access the Hawaii Sex Offender Registry
- Search by name, location, or other criteria
- View registration information for convicted sex offenders
- Includes photographs and offense information
When using online systems to access arrest records, users should note:
- Information may be limited compared to official record requests
- Some systems require registration or payment
- Not all arrests may appear in online databases
- Recent arrests may not be immediately available online
- Court case information may differ from arrest information
Online access to arrest records is governed by the same legal framework as physical records, including Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F and § 846-9, which establish what information is publicly accessible.
How To Search Hawaii County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Hawaii County arrest records without incurring fees. These no-cost methods provide basic arrest information, though they may offer less detail than paid services. The following free resources are currently available:
-
Hawai'i Police Department Booking Logs
- The daily booking logs are freely accessible online
- Provide recent arrest information including name, age, residence, and charges
- Updated regularly with new booking information
- No registration or payment required
- Limited to recent arrests only
-
eCourt Kokua Guest Access
- The Hawaii State Judiciary's eCourt Kokua system offers limited free access
- Guest users can perform basic searches without creating an account
- Search by name to locate court cases related to arrests
- View basic case information at no charge
- More detailed information may require paid access
-
In-Person Terminal Access
- Visit Hawaii County courthouse public access terminals
- Use on-site computers to search court records
- No fee for basic searches at courthouse terminals
- Available during regular courthouse business hours
Hawaii County Judiciary Complex
777 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-7470
Hawaii State Judiciary
- Public Records Request for Specific Information
- Submit targeted public records requests under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F-11
- Specify exactly what information is needed to minimize potential fees
- First 100 pages may be provided at no cost for certain requests
- Fee waivers may be available based on public interest
When using free resources to access arrest records, users should be aware of these limitations:
- Information may be less comprehensive than paid services
- Historical records may not be available through free resources
- Some systems only show court cases, not all arrests
- Records may not include disposition information
- Free access may not include printable documents
Pursuant to Hawaii Administrative Rules § 2-71-32, government agencies may waive fees when the waiver serves the public interest. Requestors seeking fee waivers should clearly state the public interest served by their request.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Hawaii County
Hawaii law provides specific mechanisms for limiting public access to certain arrest records through expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These processes are governed by Hawaii Revised Statutes § 831-3.2 and related provisions. The availability of these remedies depends on the specific circumstances of the arrest and subsequent proceedings.
Expungement of Arrest Records:
Expungement may be available in the following circumstances:
- Arrests that did not result in charges within 48 hours
- Arrests where charges were dismissed with prejudice
- Arrests resulting in acquittal
- Arrests followed by not guilty verdicts
- First-time non-violent offenders who have completed deferral periods
To request expungement in Hawaii County:
- Obtain and complete an Application for Expungement form from the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
- Provide required documentation:
- Certified court disposition documents
- Verification of identity (fingerprints may be required)
- Supporting documentation for eligibility
- Submit the completed application and $35.00 processing fee to:
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
465 South King Street, Room 101
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 587-3100
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
- Allow 6-8 weeks for processing
Sealing of Arrest Records:
Record sealing may be available for:
- Juvenile records upon reaching adulthood
- Records in cases where charges were declined
- Records in certain deferred acceptance cases
- Records in cases eligible under Hawaii's Clean Slate Law
The process for sealing records typically involves:
- Filing a petition with the court that handled the case
- Attending a hearing where a judge determines eligibility
- If granted, obtaining a court order directing agencies to seal the record
It is important to note that:
- Expunged or sealed records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies
- Certain professional licensing boards may have access to sealed records
- Federal agencies may maintain records even after state expungement
- Some expunged records may still appear in private background check databases
Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 831-3.2(d), individuals who successfully expunge their records "shall not be required to disclose the fact of the arrest" on employment applications or other forms, with certain exceptions for specific professions and security clearances.
What Happens After Arrest in Hawaii County?
The post-arrest process in Hawaii County follows a standardized sequence of events established by state law and local procedures. This process ensures due process rights while moving cases through the criminal justice system. The typical progression after an arrest includes:
Initial Custody and Booking:
- Arrestee is transported to a police station or detention facility
- Booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Initial health screening is conducted
- Arrestee is placed in holding cell pending further proceedings
Charging Decision:
- Police have 48 hours to charge an arrestee or release them
- Prosecutor reviews evidence to determine appropriate charges
- Charges may be:
- Filed as presented by police
- Modified based on evidence
- Declined if evidence is insufficient
- Referred for further investigation
Initial Appearance:
- Occurs within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
- Judge informs defendant of charges and constitutional rights
- Bail or release conditions are established
- Public defender may be appointed if defendant qualifies
- Next court date is scheduled
Bail Considerations:
- Judge determines bail based on:
- Severity of alleged offense
- Flight risk
- Community ties
- Prior criminal history
- Public safety concerns
- Release options may include:
- Cash bail
- Surety bond
- Supervised release
- Own recognizance release
Preliminary Hearing or Grand Jury (Felonies):
- Preliminary hearing determines if probable cause exists
- Alternative path is grand jury indictment
- Must occur within 30 days if defendant is in custody
- Charges may be dismissed if insufficient evidence is presented
Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial date may be set
- Pretrial motions schedule established
Pretrial Phase:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Plea negotiations may occur
- Pretrial motions addressed
- Case preparation by both sides
Trial or Plea Resolution:
- Most cases resolve through plea agreements
- If no agreement, case proceeds to trial
- Trials may be jury trials or bench trials (judge only)
- Burden of proof is "beyond reasonable doubt"
Sentencing (if convicted):
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence based on:
- Hawaii sentencing guidelines
- Aggravating or mitigating factors
- Defendant's criminal history
- Recommendations from prosecution and defense
This process is governed by Hawaii Rules of Penal Procedure and Hawaii Revised Statutes § 803 (regarding arrests) and § 806 (regarding trials).
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Hawaii County?
Arrest records in Hawaii County are maintained according to retention schedules established by state law and administrative rules. The Hawaii State Archives oversees record retention policies for government agencies, including law enforcement. Under current regulations, arrest records are subject to specific retention periods based on record type and case disposition.
Hawaii Administrative Rules § 3-130-4 establishes the following retention periods:
- Arrest records resulting in conviction: Permanent retention
- Arrest records with no charges filed: Minimum 5-year retention
- Arrest records resulting in dismissal or acquittal: Minimum 5-year retention
- Juvenile arrest records: Sealed at age 18, with exceptions
- Booking photographs (mugshots): Retained with corresponding arrest records
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention
- Arrest reports: Minimum 7-year retention
Different agencies maintain different aspects of arrest records:
-
Hawai'i Police Department:
- Maintains arrest reports, booking information, and photographs
- Follows departmental retention schedule approved by State Archives
- May maintain records longer than minimum requirements
-
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center:
- Maintains centralized criminal history repository
- Retains fingerprints and conviction information permanently
- Processes expungement requests when legally authorized
-
Hawaii State Judiciary:
- Maintains court records related to arrests
- Follows judiciary records retention schedule
- Permanent retention for felony cases
- Misdemeanor records typically retained for 10 years after final disposition
It is important to note that:
- Digital records may be maintained longer than paper records
- Records scheduled for destruction may be retained if related to ongoing litigation
- Federal agencies may maintain separate records with different retention periods
- Private background check companies may retain information even after official expungement
The retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
- Provides information for future criminal investigations
- Maintains statistical data for crime analysis
- Ensures accountability in the criminal justice system
- Supports background checks for sensitive positions
Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 846-14, improper dissemination of criminal history record information is a misdemeanor offense, underscoring the importance of proper records management.
How to Find Mugshots in Hawaii County
Mugshots, or booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Hawaii County. These photographs serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and become part of the arrest record. Access to mugshots is governed by Hawaii's public records laws and departmental policies.
What Mugshots Are: Mugshots are standardized photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process. They typically include:
- Front-facing (portrait) view
- Profile (side) view
- Identification information (booking number, date)
- Height scale in background
Where Mugshots Are Maintained: In Hawaii County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
- Hawai'i Police Department Records Section
- Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (state repository)
- Electronic records management systems used by law enforcement
Finding Mugshots: To obtain official copies of mugshots in Hawaii County, individuals may:
- Submit a request to the Hawai'i Police Department:
- Complete a police report request form
- Specify that the mugshot is being requested
- Provide identifying information (name, date of birth, arrest date)
- Pay applicable fees ($5.00 for first page)
- Submit request in person or by mail
Hawai'i Police Department - Records and Identification Section
349 Kapi'olani Street
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 935-3311
Hawai'i Police Department
- Request from Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center:
- Submit criminal history record request
- Specify that photographs are being requested
- Pay required fees
- Provide required identification
Can Mugshots Be Found Online: Unlike some jurisdictions, Hawaii County does not routinely publish mugshots online through official channels. The Hawai'i Police Department booking logs do not include photographs. However, mugshots may appear online through:
- Media reports about significant arrests
- Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots
- Court records in certain high-profile cases
Obtaining Mugshots Officially: The most reliable way to obtain an official mugshot is through formal records request processes. Unofficial sources may contain inaccurate or outdated information.
Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrestee photographs are confidential
- Ongoing investigation exceptions may apply
- Privacy protections may limit access in certain cases
- Expunged records will not include accessible mugshots
Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F-13(4) allows agencies to withhold records when disclosure would "constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy." This provision may be applied to mugshots in certain circumstances, particularly for arrests that did not result in convictions.
Lookup Arrest Records in Hawaii County
Booking Logs - Hawai'i Police Department
eCourt Kokua - Hawaii Judiciary
Criminal History Record Check - Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center