Hawaii County Court Records

What Is Hawaii County Court Records

Hawaii County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of court activities, legal decisions, and case proceedings that occur within Hawaii County's jurisdiction. Court records typically include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
• Court dockets that chronologically list all case events
• Judicial orders and final judgments
• Hearing and trial transcripts
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
• Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
• Settlement agreements in civil cases

Court records are distinct from other public records such as vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) and property records (deeds, assessments, tax information), which are maintained by different government agencies. In Hawaii County, court records are maintained by various courts according to their jurisdiction, including:

• Third Circuit Court (Hawaii County's branch of the state circuit court system)
• District Courts located in Hilo and Kona
• Family Court
• Land Court
• Tax Appeal Court
• Small Claims divisions

These courts generate records for civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. According to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F-3, government records, including court records, are defined as "information maintained by an agency in written, auditory, visual, electronic, or other physical form."

Are Court Records Public In Hawaii County

Court records in Hawaii County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), Hawaii's public records law codified in Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, shall be open to public inspection unless access is restricted by law.

The Hawaii State Judiciary maintains most court records as public documents, allowing citizens to access:

• Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed cases)
• Criminal case files (post-charging, with protections for certain information)
• Court orders and final judgments
• Docket sheets and case indices
• Court calendars and hearing schedules

However, public access is balanced against privacy concerns and other legal considerations. Under § 92F-13, certain exceptions limit public access to:

• Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
• Records protected by state or federal law
• Certain law enforcement records
• Juvenile proceedings (generally confidential under § 571-84)
• Family court records involving domestic relations
• Records sealed by court order

The Hawaii State Judiciary has established specific rules governing access to court records through the Hawaii Court Records Rules, which implement the balance between public access and privacy protections. Federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii follow separate federal access policies through the PACER system.

How To Find Court Records in Hawaii County in 2026

Members of the public seeking Hawaii County court records may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Hawaii State Judiciary provides multiple avenues for record retrieval:

In-Person Requests:

• Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed
• Complete a record request form available at the clerk's office
• Provide case information including names of parties and case numbers if available
• Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for most documents)

Third Circuit Court - Hilo
777 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
808-961-7400
Hawaii State Judiciary

Third Circuit Court - Kona
74-5451 Kamakaeha Avenue
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
808-322-8700
Hawaii State Judiciary

Mail Requests:

• Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk's office
• Include case information, specific documents requested, and contact information
• Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copy fees

Online Access:

• Utilize the Hawaii State Judiciary's eCourt Kokua system for case information
• Access the Hoohiki system for certain family court records
• Register for the Judiciary Electronic Filing System (JEFS) for attorneys and registered users

Records Request Form: The Judiciary provides standardized request forms that can be submitted to the appropriate court. These forms require:

• Requestor's contact information
• Case identification information
• Specific documents being requested
• Purpose of the request (may be required for certain records)

Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F-11, government agencies must respond to record requests within 10 business days. Complex requests may require additional time. Currently, the Hawaii State Judiciary charges reproduction fees as authorized under § 92-21.

How To Look Up Court Records in Hawaii County Online?

Hawaii County residents and interested parties can access court records through several online platforms maintained by the Hawaii State Judiciary. These electronic systems provide convenient remote access to case information:

eCourt Kokua This primary online portal allows users to search for:

• Case information for civil, criminal, and traffic cases
• Case status and scheduled court dates
• Party names and attorney information
• Judgment and filing information
• Case history and docket entries

To use eCourt Kokua:

1. Visit the Hawaii State Judiciary eCourt Kokua website
2. Select the appropriate court (Third Circuit for Hawaii County)
3. Search by case ID, citation number, or party name
4. Review the case summary information provided
5. Note that full document images are not available through this system

Hoohiki This specialized system provides access to certain family court records:

1. Navigate to the Hoohiki portal
2. Accept the terms and conditions
3. Search by party name or case number
4. Access non-confidential family court case information

JEFS (Judiciary Electronic Filing System) Available to attorneys and registered users, JEFS provides:

• Electronic filing capabilities
• Access to electronically filed documents
• Case management tools
• Document submission and retrieval

For criminal records specifically, users may also consult the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center's eCrim Report, which provides criminal history record checks for a fee.

The online systems do not provide access to all court documents, as some may only be available through in-person requests at the courthouse. Additionally, sealed or confidential cases will not appear in public searches.

How To Search Hawaii County Court Records for Free?

Hawaii County residents may access certain court records without payment, as provided under Hawaii's public records laws. The Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F-11 establishes that "all government records are open to public inspection unless access is restricted or closed by law."

Free In-Person Inspection:

• Visit the appropriate courthouse during regular business hours
• Request to view specific case files at the clerk's office
• Provide case information to locate the correct records
• Examine documents on-site without charge
• Note that while inspection is free, copying documents incurs fees ($1.00 per page)

Third Circuit Court - Hilo
777 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
808-961-7400
Hawaii State Judiciary

Free Online Resources:

• eCourt Kokua - Free access to basic case information
• Hoohiki - Free access to non-confidential family court records
• Hawaii State Judiciary Calendar - Free access to court calendars and hearing schedules

Public Access Terminals:

• Computer terminals available at courthouse locations
• Provide expanded search capabilities beyond what's available remotely
• Allow free searches of court databases
• Located in public areas of the courthouse

Law Libraries:

• The Hawaii State Law Library System maintains a branch in Hilo
• Provides free access to legal research tools and court records
• Offers assistance from law librarians for record searches

Hawaii State Law Library - Hilo Branch
777 Kilauea Avenue, 1st Floor
Hilo, HI 96720
808-961-7438
Hawaii State Law Library System

While basic record searches are free, certain specialized searches or certified copies may incur fees as established in the Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92-21.

What's Included in a Hawaii County Court Record?

Hawaii County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, varying by case type and court jurisdiction. Typical components include:

Case Initiation Documents:

• Complaints or petitions in civil cases
• Indictments or information in criminal cases
• Summonses and subpoenas
• Initial appearances and arraignment records

Procedural Documents:

• Motions filed by parties
• Responses and replies to motions
• Court orders on procedural matters
• Scheduling notices and continuances
• Discovery-related filings (when not sealed)

Evidentiary Materials:

• Exhibits admitted into evidence
• Witness lists and testimony summaries
• Expert reports (when filed with the court)
• Affidavits and declarations
• Deposition transcripts (when filed)

Decision Documents:

• Judicial opinions and orders
• Jury verdicts
• Final judgments
• Sentencing documents in criminal cases
• Settlement agreements (when filed)

Post-Judgment Materials:

• Appeals notices and briefs
• Execution documents
• Satisfaction of judgment filings
• Probation reports (limited access)
• Post-conviction relief petitions

Administrative Records:

• Case docket sheets listing chronological case events
• Court reporter transcripts
• Clerk's minutes of proceedings
• Proof of service documents
• Fee payment records

In accordance with Hawaii Court Records Rules, certain sensitive information is redacted or filed separately, including:

• Social Security numbers
• Financial account numbers
• Names of minor children
• Dates of birth
• Home addresses in certain cases

Family court records typically contain additional specialized documents such as parenting plans, child support worksheets, and custody evaluations, though access to these records is often restricted under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 571-84.

How Long Does Hawaii County Keep Court Records?

Hawaii County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the Hawaii State Judiciary Records Management Program, as authorized under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 602-5.5. These schedules vary by record type and case significance:

Permanent Retention:

• Felony case files involving serious crimes (murder, manslaughter, sexual assault)
• Civil case files involving real property rights
• Probate cases and estate matters
• Adoption records
• Divorce decrees and judgments
• Case indices and docket books
• Court orders and final judgments in significant cases
• Land court records

Extended Retention (20+ years):

• Other felony criminal cases (typically 25 years after final disposition)
• Civil judgments (20 years or until satisfied)
• Domestic violence cases (20 years)
• Guardianship and conservatorship records (until termination plus 10 years)
• Child support orders (until youngest child reaches age of majority plus 3 years)

Medium-Term Retention (5-20 years):

• Misdemeanor cases (10 years after final disposition)
• Civil cases without real property issues (10 years after final disposition)
• Traffic violations (5-10 years depending on severity)
• Small claims cases (7 years)
• Temporary restraining orders (5 years after expiration)

Short-Term Retention (Less than 5 years):

• Parking violations (2 years after final disposition)
• Administrative records (3 years)
• Dismissed cases without prejudice (3 years)
• Court calendars and scheduling documents (1 year)

The Hawaii State Judiciary Records Retention Schedule complies with standards established by the State Archives Division. After the retention period expires, records may be:

• Transferred to the Hawaii State Archives for historical preservation
• Converted to electronic format for permanent storage
• Destroyed according to approved disposition procedures

Parties seeking older records that may have exceeded retention periods should contact the Hawaii State Archives:

Hawaii State Archives
Kekāuluohi Building
364 S. King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-586-0329
Hawaii State Archives

Types of Courts In Hawaii County

Hawaii County's court system consists of several jurisdictional levels, each handling specific types of cases as part of the Hawaii State Judiciary:

Third Circuit Court
The primary trial court of general jurisdiction in Hawaii County, handling major civil and criminal cases.

Third Circuit Court - Hilo Division
777 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
808-961-7400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Hawaii State Judiciary

Third Circuit Court - Kona Division
74-5451 Kamakaeha Avenue
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
808-322-8700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Hawaii State Judiciary

District Court
Handles less serious criminal offenses, traffic cases, and civil cases with limited monetary value.

District Court - South Hilo Division
777 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
808-961-7470
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Hawaii State Judiciary

District Court - North & South Kona Division
74-5451 Kamakaeha Avenue
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
808-322-8700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Hawaii State Judiciary

Family Court
Specializes in domestic relations, juvenile matters, and family-related cases.

Family Court - Hilo Division
777 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
808-961-7400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Hawaii State Judiciary

Family Court - Kona Division
74-5451 Kamakaeha Avenue
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
808-322-8700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Hawaii State Judiciary

Land Court
Handles matters related to land registration and title.

Tax Appeal Court
Adjudicates disputes regarding tax assessments.

Small Claims Division
Processes civil claims not exceeding $5,000.

Small Claims - Hilo Division
777 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
808-961-7515
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Hawaii State Judiciary

Court Hierarchy:

1. Hawaii Supreme Court (highest state court)
2. Intermediate Court of Appeals
3. Circuit Courts (including Third Circuit)
4. District Courts
5. Specialized courts (Family, Land, Tax Appeal)

For federal matters, Hawaii County is served by:

United States District Court - District of Hawaii
300 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96850
808-541-1300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
U.S. District Court, District of Hawaii

What Types of Cases Do Hawaii County Courts Hear?

Hawaii County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority as established by Hawaii Revised Statutes § 603-21.5 and § 604-5:

Third Circuit Court (Circuit Court):

• Felony criminal prosecutions
• Civil lawsuits exceeding $40,000 in damages
• Probate and estate administration
• Guardianship and conservatorship proceedings
• Real property disputes and quiet title actions
• Complex business litigation
• Administrative appeals from government agencies
• Jury trials in both civil and criminal matters
• Foreclosure proceedings
• Appeals from District Court decisions

District Court:

• Misdemeanor criminal cases
• Traffic violations and infractions
• Civil cases with claims up to $40,000
• Landlord-tenant disputes and summary possession
• Temporary restraining orders for non-family situations
• Small claims cases (through Small Claims Division)
• Violations of county ordinances
• DUI/OVUII cases
• Criminal and traffic arraignments
• Preliminary hearings in felony cases

Family Court:

• Divorce and separation proceedings
• Child custody and visitation disputes
• Child support establishment and enforcement
• Adoption cases
• Juvenile delinquency matters
• Child abuse and neglect (Child Protective Services cases)
• Domestic violence restraining orders
• Paternity establishment
• Guardianship of minors
• Termination of parental rights

Land Court:

• Land title registration
• Title disputes involving registered land
• Determination of boundaries
• Easement establishment and modification
• Land partition proceedings

Tax Appeal Court:

• Appeals of tax assessments
• Property tax valuation disputes
• Tax exemption eligibility challenges

Small Claims Division:

• Civil disputes not exceeding $5,000
• Security deposit returns
• Consumer issues
• Minor property damage claims
• Contract disputes under the monetary threshold
• No representation by attorneys (with limited exceptions)

Cases may be transferred between courts based on jurisdictional requirements, complexity, or consolidation with related matters. The Hawaii Revised Statutes establish these jurisdictional boundaries, with § 603-21.5 defining Circuit Court authority and § 604-5 outlining District Court jurisdiction.

How To Find a Court Docket In Hawaii County

Court dockets in Hawaii County provide chronological listings of all filings, proceedings, and actions in a case. Members of the public can access these important records through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

1. Visit the Hawaii State Judiciary eCourt Kokua portal
2. Select "Third Circuit" from the court selection menu
3. Search by case ID, citation number, or party name
4. Review the docket entries listed chronologically
5. Note that while basic information is available, document images are not provided online

In-Person Docket Review:

• Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse
• Request the case file using the case number or party names
• Review the physical docket sheet contained in the file
• Request copies of specific docket entries if needed ($1.00 per page)

Third Circuit Court - Hilo
777 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
808-961-7400
Hawaii State Judiciary

Third Circuit Court - Kona
74-5451 Kamakaeha Avenue
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
808-322-8700
Hawaii State Judiciary

Public Access Terminals:

• Use computer terminals available at courthouse locations
• Access more detailed docket information than available remotely
• Search by case number, party name, or filing date
• Print docket sheets for a nominal fee

Court Calendar Information: For upcoming hearings and court dates:

1. Access the Hawaii State Judiciary Calendar
2. Select the appropriate court location
3. View daily or weekly calendars by courtroom or judge
4. Identify scheduled hearings for specific cases

Family Court Dockets: For non-confidential family court matters:

1. Access the Hoohiki system
2. Accept the terms and conditions
3. Search by party name or case number
4. View available docket information

Pursuant to Hawaii Court Records Rules, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly accessible docket entries. Additionally, cases that have been sealed by court order will not appear in public docket searches. For historical dockets that may have been archived, contact:

Hawaii State Archives
Kekāuluohi Building
364 S. King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-586-0329
Hawaii State Archives

Which Courts in Hawaii County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Hawaii County's judicial system, certain courts do not maintain official verbatim records of their proceedings, classifying them as "courts not of record" under Hawaii law. According to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 604-17, these courts operate with simplified procedures and without court reporters creating word-for-word transcripts.

Small Claims Division: The Small Claims Division of the District Court is the primary court not of record in Hawaii County. This division:

• Handles civil claims not exceeding $5,000
• Operates with simplified procedures designed for self-represented litigants
• Does not create verbatim transcripts of proceedings
• Maintains only basic records of judgments and dispositions
• Issues decisions that can be appealed to the Circuit Court for trial de novo (new trial)

Traffic Violations Bureau: While not technically a court, the Traffic Violations Bureau handles:

• Minor traffic infractions
• Administrative processing of traffic citations
• No formal court record of proceedings for uncontested violations
• Contested cases transfer to District Court, which is a court of record

Courts of Record in Hawaii County: By contrast, the following are courts of record that maintain official verbatim transcripts:

• Third Circuit Court (all divisions)
• District Court (for criminal matters and contested civil cases)
• Family Court
• Land Court
• Tax Appeal Court

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for appeal purposes. Appeals from courts not of record typically result in a completely new trial (trial de novo) in the Circuit Court rather than a review of the lower court's proceedings, as specified in § 641-1.

Hawaii Revised Statutes § 604-17 states: "The district courts shall be courts of record and shall have and exercise all the powers and authority of a court of record." However, this statute further clarifies that certain proceedings, particularly in Small Claims, operate under modified rules that do not require verbatim records.

Lookup Court Records in Hawaii County