Kauai County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Kauai County?

Public records in Kauai County are defined under the Uniform Information Practices Act, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) §92F-3, as "government records which are required by law to be disclosed." These records encompass information maintained by government agencies that document official activities, transactions, and decisions.

Kauai County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

• Court Records: Civil, criminal, family court, and probate cases are maintained by the Hawaii State Judiciary Fifth Circuit Court on Kauai. These include case filings, judgments, and court calendars.

• Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments are recorded and maintained by the Bureau of Conveyances under the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

• Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees are maintained by the Hawaii Department of Health with local services available through the Kauai District Health Office.

• Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business names are maintained by various county departments including the Department of Finance and the Planning Department.

• Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax maps are maintained by the Kauai County Real Property Tax Division.

• Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data and election results are maintained by the Office of the County Clerk, Elections Division.

• Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of County Council meetings, boards, and commissions are maintained by the Office of the County Clerk.

• Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, financial reports, and expenditure records are maintained by the Department of Finance.

• Law Enforcement Records: Police reports, arrest logs, and incident reports (where permitted by law) are maintained by the Kauai Police Department.

• Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning information, and land use applications are maintained by the Planning Department and Department of Public Works.

The County of Kauai serves as the primary portal for accessing many of these records, with specific departments responsible for maintaining different record types as mandated by state and county laws.

Is Kauai County an Open Records County?

Kauai County adheres to Hawaii's open records laws as established in the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), HRS Chapter 92F. This comprehensive statute governs public access to government records throughout the state, including Kauai County.

Under §92F-11, the law clearly states: "All government records are open to public inspection unless access is restricted or closed by law." This provision establishes the presumption of openness that guides records access in Kauai County.

The county also complies with Hawaii's Sunshine Law, codified in HRS Chapter 92, which requires open meetings of government boards and commissions. This law ensures that the public has access not only to records but also to the decision-making processes of county government.

Kauai County has implemented specific procedures for handling public records requests in accordance with state law. The County's official records policy follows the guidelines established by the Office of Information Practices, which oversees the implementation of the UIPA statewide.

The County Council and administrative departments maintain transparency through regular public meetings, published agendas, and accessible minutes. Additionally, many records are proactively published on the county's official website to facilitate public access without formal requests.

How to Find Public Records in Kauai County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Kauai County may follow these procedures to obtain the information they need:

1. Identify the Appropriate Department: Determine which county department or state agency maintains the records you seek. The Hawaii.gov portal provides a comprehensive directory of government services.

2. Submit a Written Request: While some records may be available for immediate inspection, formal requests should be submitted in writing. Agencies may provide standard request forms, but a written letter containing the following information is sufficient:

   • Requestor's name and contact information
   • Clear description of the records sought
   • Preferred format for receiving records (paper copies, electronic files, etc.)

3. For Court Records: Access the eCourt Kokua system to search for case information online. More detailed court documents may require an in-person visit to the Fifth Circuit Court.

4. For Property Records: Search property records through the Bureau of Conveyances online portal or visit their office for assistance with complex searches.

5. For Vital Records: Submit applications for birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificates to the Kauai District Health Office or through the state Department of Health.

6. For County Records: Visit the appropriate county department during business hours or check the county website for records that may be available online.

7. Follow Up: If no response is received within 10 business days (the standard timeframe under UIPA), contact the department again. For unresolved issues, the Office of Information Practices can provide assistance.

8. Review Records: Once notified that records are available, arrange to inspect them at the agency office or receive copies as requested.

Many frequently requested records are now available through online portals, reducing the need for formal written requests. The county continues to expand its digital services to improve public access to government information.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Kauai County?

Fees for public records in Kauai County are established pursuant to HRS §92F-42(13), which authorizes the Office of Information Practices to adopt rules regarding fees for searching, reviewing, and segregating records.

The current fee structure for most county records includes:

• Copies: $0.25 per page for standard black and white copies (8.5" x 11" or 8.5" x 14")
• Search, Review, and Segregation: $2.50 per 15 minutes of search time (first hour free)
• Electronic Records: Actual cost of the electronic storage medium when provided on CD, DVD, or other media
• Specialized Documents: Actual cost for oversized documents, color copies, or specialized reproduction

Additional fees may apply for specific record types:

• Certified Copies of Vital Records: $10.00 for the first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
• Court Records: $1.00 per page for regular copies, $2.00 per page for certified copies
• Property Records: Varying fees based on document type and certification requirements

Accepted payment methods include cash, checks, and money orders. Some departments may accept credit card payments for in-person transactions or online services.

Fee waivers may be available when the disclosure of the requested records is in the public interest. Agencies may waive fees when the request is made by a nonprofit organization for a public purpose or when the requester is indigent.

All fees must be paid before records are released, though requesters may inspect most records at no charge if they do not request copies.

Does Kauai County Have Free Public Records?

Kauai County provides free access to certain public records in accordance with state law. Under the UIPA, agencies must allow for the inspection of public records during regular business hours at no charge. This right to free inspection is a fundamental aspect of Hawaii's open records laws.

The following records are typically available at no cost:

• Online Records: Many records are freely accessible through the county's official website, including:

  • County Council meeting agendas and minutes
  • County budgets and financial reports
  • Property tax assessment information
  • Building permit status
  • County ordinances and resolutions

• In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may visit county offices during regular business hours to inspect records without charge, provided that:

  • The records are readily available
  • Inspection does not unreasonably interfere with agency operations
  • No special compilation or research is required

• Court Case Information: Basic case information is available through the Judiciary's public access system, though fees may apply for detailed documents.

• Public Notices and Announcements: Legal notices, public hearing schedules, and other official announcements are freely available.

The Hawaii State Archives also provides free access to historical government records, including those related to Kauai County, though research assistance may involve fees.

While inspection is free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies or for search and segregation time exceeding one hour, as outlined in the fee structure section.

Who Can Request Public Records in Kauai County?

Under Hawaii's Uniform Information Practices Act, any person may request access to public records maintained by Kauai County agencies. The law defines "person" broadly to include individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, and governmental or business entities.

Key eligibility considerations include:

• Residency: There is no residency requirement for requesting public records. Non-residents of Hawaii have the same rights of access as residents.

• Identification: While basic identification may be required to process certain requests, requesters are generally not required to provide extensive personal information or identification for standard record requests.

• Purpose: In most cases, requesters are not required to state the purpose of their request or intended use of the records. As stated in HRS §92F-11(b), "Except as provided in section 92F-13, each agency upon request by any person shall make government records available for inspection and copying."

• Special Considerations: Certain records may have additional requirements:

  • Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) require proof of relationship or legitimate interest
  • Court records that have been sealed require court authorization
  • Records containing personal information about the requester may require identity verification

• Requesting Your Own Records: Individuals requesting their own records may need to provide identification to verify their identity and protect against unauthorized disclosure.

• Requesting Others' Records: Access to records containing personal information about others may be restricted under HRS §92F-13(1), which protects against "a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy."

Government agencies, including those from other jurisdictions, may also request records through official channels, often with expedited processing for legitimate governmental purposes.

What Records Are Confidential in Kauai County?

While Hawaii law establishes a presumption of openness for government records, certain categories of records are exempt from disclosure under HRS §92F-13. In Kauai County, the following record types are generally considered confidential:

• 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 information

• Law Enforcement Records: Information that, if disclosed, would:

  • Interfere with an ongoing investigation or prosecution
  • Deprive a person of a right to a fair trial
  • Disclose confidential sources or investigative techniques
  • Endanger the life or physical safety of an individual

• Juvenile Records: Court records involving minors are generally sealed and confidential under HRS §571-84.

• Adoption Records: Records of adoption proceedings are confidential by statute.

• Child Welfare Records: Reports and records concerning child abuse or neglect.

• Personnel Records: Government employee personnel files, except for specific information designated as public under HRS §92F-14.

• Attorney-Client Communications: Records protected by attorney-client privilege.

• Trade Secrets and Proprietary Information: Confidential business information submitted to government agencies.

• Security Information: Records relating to the security of government facilities, computer systems, or critical infrastructure.

• Inter/Intra-Agency Deliberative Process Materials: Preliminary drafts, notes, and recommendations in which opinions are expressed or policies formulated.

• Records Protected by Other Laws: Information specifically protected by other state or federal statutes, such as HIPAA-protected health information.

When a record contains both public and confidential information, agencies must redact the confidential portions and release the remainder, applying what is known as the "segregability" principle.

The Office of Information Practices applies a balancing test when privacy interests are at stake, weighing the public interest in disclosure against the privacy interest of the individual.

Kauai County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Kauai County Clerk's Office
4396 Rice Street, Suite 101
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-4800
County of Kauai - Office of the County Clerk

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and state holidays

Bureau of Conveyances - Kauai Branch
3060 Eiwa Street, Room 210
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-3223
Bureau of Conveyances

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed on weekends and state holidays

Fifth Circuit Court - Kauai
3970 Kaana Street, Suite 210
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 482-2300
Hawaii State Judiciary

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed on weekends and state holidays

Kauai District Health Office
3040 Umi Street
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-3614
Kauai District Health Office

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and state holidays

Kauai Real Property Tax Office
4444 Rice Street, Suite 454
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-4224
Real Property Tax Office

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed on weekends and state holidays

Lookup Public Records in Kauai County

eCourt Kokua - Hawaii Judiciary

Hawaii Court Records Search

Bureau of Conveyances Online Services

Hawaii.gov Official State Portal

Kauai District Health Office

Hawaii Vital Records

Hawaii State Archives