Honolulu County Court Records
What Is Honolulu County Court Records
Honolulu County court records are official documents created and maintained by the courts within the City and County of Honolulu, which encompasses the entire island of Oʻahu. These records document judicial proceedings, filings, and outcomes of cases heard in the various courts serving Honolulu County. Court records are generated and preserved pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 602-5.5, which mandates the proper documentation of court activities.
The records include:
- Case filings and pleadings
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing transcripts
- Evidence presented in court
- Docket information
- Jury verdicts
- Settlement agreements
The Hawaii State Judiciary maintains these records through its various divisions and branches located throughout Oʻahu. The primary repository for court records in Honolulu County is the Legal Documents Branch of the First Circuit Court.
First Circuit Court - Kaʻahumanu Hale 777 Punchbowl Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 (808) 539-4300 Hawaii State Judiciary
Are Court Records Public In Honolulu County
Court records in Honolulu County are generally considered public documents in accordance with Hawaii's Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 92F, and the common law right of access to judicial records. Members of the public may access most court records without demonstrating a specific need or purpose for viewing the documents.
However, certain exceptions to public access exist:
- Records sealed by court order
- Juvenile proceedings (HRS § 571-84)
- Family court matters involving minors
- Certain domestic violence and restraining order cases
- Records containing sensitive personal information
- Grand jury proceedings
- Adoption records
- Mental health proceedings
The Hawaii Judiciary has implemented redaction policies to protect sensitive personal information in accordance with Rule 9 of the Hawaii Court Records Rules. Information typically redacted includes:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Names of minor children
- Dates of birth
- Home addresses in certain cases
Individuals seeking access to court records that have been sealed or restricted may file a motion with the appropriate court requesting access, which will be granted at the court's discretion based on legitimate need and applicable law.
How To Find Court Records in Honolulu County in 2025
Members of the public seeking court records in Honolulu County in 2025 may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Hawaii State Judiciary has established multiple channels for record retrieval.
In-person requests may be submitted at:
First Circuit Court Records Office Kaʻahumanu Hale 777 Punchbowl Street, 1st Floor Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (808) 539-4300
To request court records in person, individuals should:
- Complete a Records Request Form (available at the courthouse or downloadable from the Hawaii State Judiciary website)
- Submit the form to the appropriate records office
- Pay applicable fees (currently $1.00 per page for copies, subject to change)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
For written requests by mail, individuals should send a completed Records Request Form to the address above, including:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate date of case filing
- Type of documents requested
- Contact information
- Payment for applicable fees
Electronic requests may be submitted through the court records request portal for certain types of records. The Hawaii Judiciary continues to expand its digital access capabilities in 2025, allowing for more efficient record retrieval.
How To Look Up Court Records in Honolulu County Online?
The Hawaii State Judiciary provides digital access to certain court records through its electronic systems. The primary online resource for accessing Honolulu County court records is eCourt Kokua, the judiciary's case information system.
To access records through eCourt Kokua, users may:
- Visit the Hawaii State Judiciary website
- Navigate to the eCourt Kokua portal
- Search by case ID, party name, attorney, or citation number
- View basic case information including filing dates, parties, hearings, and case status
eCourt Kokua provides access to:
- Circuit Court civil, criminal, and family court cases
- District Court civil, criminal, and traffic cases
- Land Court and Tax Appeal Court cases
For federal cases in Honolulu County, the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court utilize the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system, accessible at:
U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room C-338 Honolulu, Hawaii 96850 (808) 541-1300 U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Hawaii
PACER requires user registration and charges nominal fees for document access. Federal court records may also be viewed free of charge at public access terminals located at the federal courthouse.
Can You Search Honolulu County Court Records for Free?
Limited free access to Honolulu County court records is available through several channels. The Hawaii State Judiciary provides certain basic case information at no cost, while more comprehensive access may require payment of statutory fees.
Free access options include:
- Basic case information through eCourt Kokua online portal
- Public access terminals at courthouse locations
- In-person review of physical case files at the courthouse (viewing only)
Honolulu District Court 1111 Alakea Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 (808) 538-5100 Hawaii State Judiciary
Public terminals at courthouse locations allow free searches of case information, though printing documents from these terminals incurs standard copy fees. For criminal history information, the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center provides limited public access:
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center Kekuanao'a Building 465 South King Street, Room 101 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 (808) 587-3100 Criminal History Records Check
While basic searches may be conducted without charge, fees apply for:
- Certified copies of court documents
- Extensive record searches
- Copies of documents (currently $1.00 per page)
- Criminal history record checks ($5.00-$20.00 depending on purpose)
- Expedited service fees
What's Included in a Honolulu County Court Record?
Honolulu County court records typically contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings from initiation through disposition. The specific contents vary by case type and court level, but generally include several standard components.
A complete court record may contain:
- Case initiation documents (complaints, petitions, indictments)
- Summonses and service of process documentation
- Answers and responsive pleadings
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence logs (actual evidence is typically not included in the public file)
- Witness lists and testimony summaries
- Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
- Appeals documentation
- Case docket sheet listing chronological case activities
For criminal cases, additional documents may include:
- Charging instruments
- Bail and bond information
- Pre-sentence investigation reports (often restricted)
- Sentencing orders
- Probation terms and conditions
Family court records, which often have restricted access pursuant to HRS § 571-84, typically include:
- Divorce petitions and decrees
- Child custody and support orders
- Paternity determinations
- Adoption proceedings
- Guardianship appointments
Certain sensitive information is redacted from public court records in accordance with Hawaii Court Records Rules to protect privacy while maintaining public access to judicial proceedings.
How Long Does Honolulu County Keep Court Records?
Honolulu County courts retain records according to retention schedules established by the Hawaii State Judiciary pursuant to HRS § 602-5.5. Retention periods vary based on case type, significance, and applicable statutes.
General retention guidelines include:
- Felony cases: Permanent retention for serious offenses; 75 years for others
- Misdemeanor cases: 10-25 years after final disposition
- Traffic infractions: 7-10 years after final disposition
- Civil litigation: 10-20 years after final judgment
- Probate matters: Permanent retention
- Family court cases: Variable retention (20 years to permanent)
- Small claims: 10 years after final disposition
Case files of significant historical or precedential value are designated for permanent retention regardless of case type. The Hawaii State Archives, located at:
Hawaii State Archives Iolani Palace Grounds 364 S. King Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 (808) 586-0329
maintains permanent court records after their active retention period with the judiciary expires. Certain court records may be microfilmed or digitized for preservation purposes while the original documents are destroyed according to retention schedules.
Expungement of records may occur under limited circumstances as provided in HRS § 831-3.2, primarily for first-time non-violent offenders. Information about expungement procedures is available through the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center.
Types of Courts In Honolulu County
Honolulu County's judicial system comprises multiple court levels with varying jurisdictions. As part of Hawaii's unified court system, these courts operate under the administrative authority of the Hawaii Supreme Court.
The court structure includes:
Circuit Courts (First Circuit) Kaʻahumanu Hale 777 Punchbowl Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 (808) 539-4300
The First Circuit Court is the primary trial court of general jurisdiction handling felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $40,000, probate matters, and certain appeals from lower courts.
District Courts Honolulu District Court 1111 Alakea Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 (808) 538-5100
District Courts handle misdemeanors, traffic cases, civil cases under $40,000, small claims (under $5,000), and landlord-tenant matters.
Family Court Kapolei Judiciary Complex 4675 Kapolei Parkway Kapolei, Hawaii 96707 (808) 954-8000
Family Court addresses domestic relations cases, juvenile matters, adoption, guardianship, and domestic violence restraining orders.
Land Court and Tax Appeal Court Kaʻahumanu Hale 777 Punchbowl Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 (808) 539-4300
These specialized courts handle land registration matters and tax disputes respectively.
Federal Courts U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii 300 Ala Moana Boulevard Honolulu, Hawaii 96850 (808) 541-1300
Federal courts hear cases involving federal law, constitutional questions, diversity jurisdiction, and bankruptcy matters.
What Types of Cases Do Honolulu County Courts Hear?
Honolulu County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by Hawaii state law. Each court level is designated to handle specific case types.
Circuit Court cases include:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil lawsuits exceeding $40,000
- Probate and estate administration
- Guardianship of incapacitated adults
- Land title disputes
- Administrative agency appeals
- Jury trials in both civil and criminal matters
District Court proceedings encompass:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations and infractions
- Civil actions up to $40,000
- Small claims (maximum $5,000)
- Residential landlord-tenant disputes
- Temporary restraining orders
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Family Court jurisdiction covers:
- Divorce and separation proceedings
- Child custody and visitation determinations
- Child and spousal support
- Paternity establishment
- Adoption
- Juvenile delinquency
- Child abuse and neglect
- Domestic violence protective orders
The U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii, located in Honolulu, adjudicates:
- Federal criminal prosecutions
- Civil cases under federal question jurisdiction
- Civil cases under diversity jurisdiction (exceeding $75,000)
- Admiralty and maritime claims
- Patent, copyright, and trademark disputes
- Constitutional challenges
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court handles all bankruptcy proceedings for residents of Honolulu County under Chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
How To Find a Court Docket In Honolulu County
Court dockets in Honolulu County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in a case, including filings, hearings, and judicial rulings. These dockets serve as the official index of case proceedings and are accessible through several methods.
To access court dockets electronically:
- Visit the Hawaii Judiciary eCourt Kokua portal
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, etc.)
- Review the docket information displayed
- Note that while basic docket information is viewable online, document contents may require in-person access
For in-person docket access:
First Circuit Court Records Office Kaʻahumanu Hale 777 Punchbowl Street, 1st Floor Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (808) 539-4300
Individuals may request to view physical docket sheets or access docket information through public terminals at the courthouse. Court clerks can assist with locating specific docket information.
For federal court dockets:
- Access the PACER system (registration required)
- Visit the public access terminal at the federal courthouse
- Request assistance from the clerk's office
U.S. District Court Clerk's Office 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room C-338 Honolulu, Hawaii 96850 (808) 541-1300
Upcoming court calendars showing scheduled hearings are also available on the Hawaii State Judiciary website and posted daily at courthouse locations.
Which Courts in Honolulu County Are Not Courts of Record?
Certain courts within Honolulu County do not maintain verbatim records of all proceedings and are therefore classified as "not courts of record" under Hawaii law. In these courts, proceedings are not typically transcribed by court reporters or electronically recorded for transcription purposes.
Courts not of record in Honolulu County include:
- Small Claims Division of the District Court
- Certain administrative hearings
- Traffic violations hearings for infractions (non-criminal)
- Peer mediation programs
- Some alternative dispute resolution proceedings
The Small Claims Division, which handles civil claims not exceeding $5,000, operates under simplified procedures without formal transcription of proceedings. While written decisions and judgments are documented, verbatim records of testimony and arguments are not maintained.
For traffic infractions adjudicated under HRS § 291D, proceedings are summary in nature and not recorded verbatim, though outcomes are documented in the judiciary's case management system.
Parties appearing before courts not of record should note:
- Appeals from these courts typically proceed as trials de novo (new trials)
- The appellate court will not have a transcript to review
- Parties must present their evidence anew at the appellate level
- Documentation of proceedings is limited to written orders and judgments
Individuals with cases in courts not of record may request permission to provide their own recording device or court reporter, subject to judicial approval and applicable court rules.
Lookup Court Records in Honolulu County
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