Hawaii County Court Records

A Hawaii County court record is an official filing of court proceedings, including pleadings, motions, orders, and judgments per Hawai'i Court Records Rules (HCRR). These records usually contain a variety of information, including the parties involved in a case, the nature of the charges or claims, the court's decisions, and any resulting sentences or judgments. Access to Hawai'i court records allows individuals to track case progress, review legal precedents, and ensure the fair application of the law.

Are Court Records Public in Hawaii County?

Yes, Hawaii court records are considered part of Hawaii County public records. H.R.S § 92F-12, the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA) ensures that government records, including court records, are open to public inspection and copying unless restricted by law. H.R.S § 92F-13, however, exempts certain records from disclosure:

• Government records pertaining to personal privacy.
• Records related to judicial or quasi-judicial actions involving the State or counties.
• Confidential records associated with legitimate government functions.
• Records protected by state or federal law, including court orders.
• Draft documents of legislative committees, budget worksheets, unfiled reports, legislative work products, closed investigative committee records, and personal files of legislators.

Hawaii County Court Records Search

• Visiting the court clerk's office
• Visiting the courthouse where the case was filed
• Searching court-provided electronic portals
• Using third-party public records websites.

Hawaii County Court Records Search by Name

Individuals looking to perform a name-based search for a Hawaii County court record should submit the party’s name to the court clerk's office.

Requesters should note the following:

• Providing additional case specifics, such as a filing or hearing date, enhances the prospects of locating a case record.
• A fee of $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page will be charged for copies obtained.

Alternatively, the eCourt Kokua is also available for the same purpose.

• Open the eCourt Kokua portal.
• Click on “party search”.
• Enter the individual's first name, last name, and other relevant known information into the search fields provided.
• Click “search”.

Hawaii County Courts

The Hawaii County court system mainly consists of a network of the Third Circuit Division Court, which includes The Third Circuit District Courts and Third Circuit Family Courts. Below are the county's eight courthouse locations:

Hawaii Third Circuit Court
Hale Kaulike
777 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 961-7440

Hawaii Third Circuit Court - Kona
Keakealani Building
79-1020 Haukapila Street
Kealakekua, HI 96750
Phone: (808) 322-8700

Hawaii Third Circuit Court - Waimea
Waimea Civic Center at Kamuela
67-5187 Kamamalu Street
Kamuela, HI 96743
Phone: (808) 443-2030

Hawaii Third Circuit District Court
Hale Kaulike
777 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 961-7470

Hawaii Third Circuit District Court - Kona
Keakealani Building
79-1020 Haukapila Street
Kealakekua, HI 96750
Phone: (808) 322-8700

Hawaii Third Circuit District Court - Waimea
Waimea Civic Center at Kamuela
67-5187 Kamamalu Street
Kamuela, HI 96743
Phone: (808) 443-2030

Hawaii Third Circuit Family Court
Hale Kaulike
777 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 961-7440

Hawaii Third Circuit Family Court - Kona
Keakealani Building
79-1020 Haukapila Street
Kealakekua, HI 96750
Phone: (808) 322-8700

Hawaii Third Circuit Family Court - Waimea
Waimea Civic Center at Kamuela
67-5187 Kamamalu Street
Kamuela, HI 96743
Phone: (808) 443-2030

Hawaii County Circuit Court Case Search

The Third Circuit Court has jurisdiction over most civil and criminal cases, particularly those beyond the scope of its district and family court subdivisions. It conducts jury trials and has exclusive authority over probate, guardianship, and criminal felony cases. It also handles civil disputes where the contested amount exceeds $40,000. Additionally, the Third Circuit Court shares jurisdiction with District Courts for civil non-jury cases involving amounts between $10,000 and $40,000.

To access Third Circuit Court files:

• Visit the eCourt Kokua portal.
• Choose the relevant search option, which could include "Party Search," "Case Search," "Vehicle Search," "Upcoming Court Hearings Search," or "View/Purchase Documents".
• Fill in the necessary information.
• Click “search”.

Hawaii County District Court Records

The Hawaii Third Circuit District Court handles cases including traffic infractions, criminal offenses punishable by up to one year in jail, civil actions with claims up to $40,000 (excluding certain types), summary possession actions, and small claims under $5,000. It also deals with petitions for TROs and injunctions against harassment, tenant petitions for restraining orders, and appeals from motor vehicle registration denials.

To access District Court records:

• Open the eCourt Kokua portal.
• Choose the relevant search option, which could include "Party Search," "Vehicle Search," "Upcoming Court Hearings Search," or "View/Purchase Documents".
• Fill in the required information.
• Click "Submit".

Hawaii County Criminal Records

Law enforcement held Hawaii County arrest records as well as criminal records for cases resulting in convictions, acquittals, or dismissals are accessible under HRS Chapter 704. Non-conviction information can only be accessed by criminal justice agencies and other entities authorized by Hawai’i laws, such as the Department of Human Services for their child care program.

The custodian of criminal records is the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC). Individuals looking to conduct their criminal history check must undergo a fingerprint check.

• Fingerprinting services are by appointment only. Call the Criminal History Record Checks Unit (CHRC) at (808) 587-3279 to schedule an appointment.
• Download and print the HCJDC-073 form (Fingerprint Background Check and Fingerprint Services/Card.
• Submit the form and fingerprints to the CHRC Unit. The service fee is $55, with additional options available: Certification for an extra $20 and Notarization at no cost.
• The office operates from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, closing for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., and on state holidays.
• Accepted payments include Credit, Debit, Apple Pay, Money Order, or Cashier's Check made payable to "State of Hawaii". A 3% non-refundable service fee applies to electronic payments. No cash accepted.
• To receive results via certified mail, include a USPS postage-paid certified envelope.
• Send the completed form and fingerprint card(s) to:

Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
Attn: CHRC Unit
465 S. King Street, Rm 102
Honolulu, HI 96813.

The service fee for mail-in requests is $35, with additional options for Certification (+$20) and Notarization (no extra cost). Processing takes 3-5 business days, or 7-10 business days with notarization. Payments must be made by Money Order or Cashier's Check, payable to "State of Hawaii".

Hawaii County Criminal Court Case Lookup

To look up Hawaii criminal records, visit the originating court clerk's office for physical queries. Bring all known case specifics, such as the name and date of birth, along with a government-issued ID.

Alternatively, requesters can look up files such as Hawaii County arrest records using eCourt Kokua. Open the portal, select "Party Search" or "Case Search," fill in the relevant fields, and click "Submit".

Get Hawaii County Civil Court Records.

Civil cases within Hawaii County fall within the scope of the Third Circuit Court and the Third Circuit District Court, depending on the contested amount and case type. The Third Circuit Court handles civil cases where the contested amount exceeds $40,000. It also shares concurrent jurisdiction with Third Circuit District Courts for non-jury cases involving amounts between $10,000 and $40,000 and manages civil case appeals.

The Hawaii Third Circuit District Court deals with civil actions where claims do not exceed $40,000, summary possession actions, ejectment proceedings without real estate title disputes, specific performance cases valued under $20,000, small claims under $5,000, petitions for TROs and injunctions, tenant petitions against landlords, and appeals from administrative denials of motor vehicle registration.

Civil cases in Hawaii County are handled by The Third Circuit Court or the Third Circuit District Court based on the amount and type of case. The court manages cases over $40,000 and shares jurisdiction with the District Court for non-jury cases between $10,000 and $40,000. The Third Circuit District Court handles cases up to $40,000, summary possession actions, ejectment without real estate disputes, specific performance cases under $20,000, small claims under $5,000, TRO and injunction petitions, tenant petitions, and appeals from motor vehicle registration denials.

To obtain records, individuals should visit the originating court clerk's office with specific case details such as name, case number. A fee of $1 applies, with an additional $0.5 per extra printed.

Alternatively, use the eCourt Kokua portal:

• Visit the eCourt Kokua portal.
• Choose the relevant search option (Party Search, Case Search, Vehicle Search, Upcoming Court Hearings Search, or View/Purchase Documents).
• Fill in the necessary information.
• Click “search”.

Hawaii County Family Court Records

The Third Circuit Family Court in Hawaii County handles various legal matters involving children, domestic relations, and domestic violence. Common child-related cases include delinquency, abuse and neglect, and adoption. Domestic relations cases often involve divorce, child support, and paternity. Domestic violence cases typically include requests for civil restraining orders and charges of abuse against family members.

However, county family court records are generally inaccessible, except for social records filed during court proceedings H.R.S § 571-84.6. However, these documents may be inspected by the parties involved and their attorneys, institutions with custody of a minor, guardians, and persons with a legitimate interest in the welfare of the minor.

To obtain court records, qualified individuals can visit the court in person. Required information includes the case file number, the approximate date the case was filed, the appellate case number (if applicable), and a valid government-issued photo ID. For remote access, the eCourt Kokua portal provides online access.

Hawaii Dissolution of Marriage Records

In Hawaii County, dissolution of marriage records includes all documents related to divorce or annulment cases handled by the family courts. To access records, individuals can visit the Third District Circuit Family Court in person with the case file number, approximate filing date, and a valid photo ID.

Hawaii County Marriage and Divorce Records

Under HRS §338-18, access to certified copies of Hawaii County marriage records and death records, such as Hawaii County marriage certificates, is limited to those with a direct and tangible interest, including:

• The registrant, spouse, parent, descendant, or common ancestor
• Legal guardians and estate representatives
• Authorized individuals or agencies with a court order
• Adoptive parents and those verifying marital status or co-owner death
• Approved agencies or individuals for public health purposes

Ineligible requestesters can however obtain a LETTER OF VERIFICATION which, according to HRS §338-14.3 can be used as a valid substitute for a vital record. Requests for letters of verification are done using the same forms as for certified copies. The fee is $5 per letter.

To request marriage records online:

• Complete the vital records order form.
• Upload a government-issued ID.
• Pay with a debit or credit card (name on card must match the requester’s name).
• Documents will be mailed to the provided address.

For mail-in orders:

• Download and complete the "Request For Certified Copy of Civil Union or Marriage Record" form.
• Mail the form with applicable fees and a copy of the applicant’s government-issued ID to:

State Department of Health
Office of Health Status Monitoring
Issuance/Vital Statistics Section
P.O. Box 3378
Honolulu, HI 96801.

For both application methods, certified copies cost $10.00 for the first page. Each additional copy costs $4.00. The general administration fee is $2.50 (for up to 5 copies; an additional $2.50 per 5-copy increment). For mail orders, Cashier’s checks, certified checks, or money orders payable to the State Department of Health.

For divorce records, requesters should note that The Department of Health maintains divorce records only from January 1951 to December 2002. The divorce certificate provided by the Department does not substitute for the official Divorce Decree. For divorce decrees before 1951 and after 2002 in Hawaii County, contact the following:

• Hilo: Legal Documents Branch at (808) 961-7404.
• Kona: Keahuolu Courthouse at (808) 443-2112.

Eligible persons can apply for divorce records by mail:

• Send mail in request which includes a photocopy of a government-issued ID and payment with the request to:

State Department of Health
Office of Health Status Monitoring
Issuance/Vital Statistics Section
P.O. Box 3378
Honolulu, HI 96801.

For in-person requests, interested parties must bring documents to prove eligibility, and records may have to be picked up later or have it mailed.

Hawaii Birth and Death Records

Per H.R.S §338-18, access to certified copies of Hawaii County vital records such as Hawaii County birth certificate and death records is limited to those with a direct and tangible interest, including:

• The registrant (person named in the record), their spouse, or parent(s).
• A descendant of the registrant (e.g., child, grandchild) or a person with a common ancestor (e.g., sibling, grandparent).
• A legal guardian of the registrant or a person or agency acting on their behalf.
• A personal representative of the registrant’s estate or a person with a court order granting access.
• A person needing the death record for determining payments under a credit insurance policy or for a non-related co-owner of the property.

Ineligible requestesters can however obtain A LETTER OF VERIFICATION which, according to HRS §338-14.3 can be used as a valid substitute for a vital record. Requests for letters of verification are done using the same forms as for certified copies. The fee is $5 per letter.

To obtain birth or death records online:

• Complete the online order form.
• Upload a government-issued ID (Driver License, State ID, or Passport).
• Pay with a debit or credit card (name on card must match the requester’s name).
• Records will be mailed to the provided address.

To obtain birth records online:

• Download and complete the Request For Certified Copy of Birth Record.
• Mail the form with applicable fees and a copy of the applicant’s government-issued ID to:

State Department of Health
Office of Health Status Monitoring
Issuance/Vital Statistics Section
P.O. Box 3378
Honolulu, HI 96801.

For both application methods, certified copies cost $10.00 for the first page. Each additional copy costs $4.00. The general administration fee is $2.50 (for up to 5 copies; additional $2.50 per 5-copy increment). For mail orders, Cashier’s checks, certified checks, or money orders payable to the State Department of Health.

To obtain death records in person or by mail, complete the death record application form. Next, send the completed request form, government-issued ID copy, eligibility documents, and payment to:

State Department of Health
Office of Health Status Monitoring
Issuance/Vital Statistics Section
P.O. Box 3378
Honolulu, HI 96801.

For in-person requests, visit the office at 1250 Punchbowl Street, Room 103, Honolulu, HI. Bring the completed request form, government-issued ID, eligibility documents, and payment. Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Metered parking is available.

Hawaii County Probate Court Records

County probate matters are managed by the Third Circuit Court. This court handles cases such as the administration of estates, guardianships, and conservatorships. Probate court records include documents related to the distribution of a deceased person's assets, the appointment of executors or administrators, and the management of estates.

To obtain probate records from the Third Circuit Court, visit the courthouse or use the eCourt Kokua system. The process for obtaining records from eCourt Kokua involves opening the portal and searching for the specific case using relevant details (like case numbers or party names). For in-person requests, visit the court clerk’s office to make queries.

Hawaii County Property Records

Hawaii County property records can be accessed through the County of Hawaii’s Real Property Tax Office. These records include information on property ownership, tax assessments, property transfers, and legal descriptions.

To access these records, individuals can use the online property tax database available on the county website. Online access allows users to search for property information using details like the property address, parcel number, or property address/location. Property records are essential for understanding property values, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence for real estate transactions.

Hawaii County Court Records Online

Third-party online resources offer a convenient way to access court records in Hawaii County. Websites such as hawaiicourtrecords.us provide access to various records, including case details and court documents, from the comfort of home. Advantages include 24/7 access and a user-friendly interface. However, limitations may include potential fees for detailed records depending on the provider and possible discrepancies with official sources; therefore, parties should verify information with official channels.