Kauai County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Kauai County
Arrest records in Kauai County are considered public information with certain limitations pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F-12. Under Hawaii's Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), government records are generally accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. However, access to arrest records is subject to specific provisions that balance public transparency with individual privacy rights.
The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC), operating under the authority of the Attorney General's Office, maintains the official criminal history record information for the state, including Kauai County. According to state law, only conviction information is considered fully public record. Non-conviction information, including arrests that did not lead to convictions, has restricted access under HRS § 846-9.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Kauai County should note the following distinctions:
- Conviction records are publicly accessible
- Non-conviction records (arrests without convictions) have limited accessibility
- Juvenile records are generally confidential
- Records that have been expunged are not available to the public
- Active criminal investigations may have temporarily restricted access
The Kauai Police Department maintains arrest records for law enforcement purposes, while the Kauai County Prosecutor's Office and the Hawaii State Judiciary maintain related case information.
Kauai Police Department
3990 Kaana Street, Suite 200
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-1711
Kauai Police Department
What's in Kauai County Arrest Records
Arrest records in Kauai County contain standardized information documenting an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records serve as official documentation of the arrest event and typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Residential address
- Identification numbers (state ID, driver's license)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (e.g., Kauai Police Department)
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, petty misdemeanor)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Judge who signed the warrant
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 detained or released
- If released, conditions of release
- Current custody location (if detained)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history references
- Known aliases
- Vehicle information related to arrest
- Witness information (redacted for public records)
- Victim information (redacted for public records)
- Narrative reports from arresting officers (may be redacted)
The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center maintains these records in accordance with HRS § 846-2.5, which establishes requirements for criminal history record information.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Kauai County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Kauai County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The availability of records depends on the type of information sought and the requesting party's relationship to the case. Currently, the following methods are available for accessing arrest records:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Kauai Police Department Records Division during regular business hours.
- Complete a records request form
- Provide proper identification
- Specify the information being requested
- Pay applicable fees
Kauai Police Department Records Division
3990 Kaana Street, Suite 200
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-1711
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
- Visit the Kauai County Clerk's Office for court-related arrest information.
Office of the County Clerk
4396 Rice Street, Suite 209
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-4800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
Written Requests:
-
Submit a formal written request to the Kauai Police Department.
- Include a completed records request form
- Provide a copy of valid government-issued photo identification
- Specify the exact records being requested
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for applicable fees
-
Submit a Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA) request.
- Cite HRS Chapter 92F as the legal basis for the request
- Clearly identify the records being sought
- Provide contact information for response
Online Requests:
The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center provides an online portal for criminal history record checks through the eCrim system. This system allows for:
- Name-based criminal history searches
- Access to conviction information
- Payment of fees electronically
- Immediate results for many searches
Requesters should note that fees apply for most record searches. Currently, the standard fee for a criminal history record check is $30.00. Additional fees may apply for certified copies or extensive searches.
How To Find Kauai County Arrest Records Online
Kauai County arrest records can be accessed through several online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. These digital resources provide convenient access to public record information without requiring in-person visits to government offices. The following online methods are currently available:
-
eCourt Kokua - The Hawaii State Judiciary's official online portal provides access to court case information, including cases resulting from arrests in Kauai County. Users can search court records by name or case number to find:
- Case status
- Scheduled court dates
- Charges filed
- Case outcomes
- Judgment information
-
eCrim Portal - The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center maintains this online system for criminal history record checks. The portal allows users to:
- Search for conviction records
- Pay for searches electronically
- Receive immediate results for many searches
- Print official results
-
Kauai County Inmate Search - For individuals currently in custody following an arrest, the Kauai Police Department provides limited custody information through their online inmate search function:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Custody status
- Bail information
-
Hawaii State Sex Offender Registry - For specific sex offense-related arrests and convictions, the public can access the registry maintained by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center:
- Offender information
- Registration status
- Offense information
- Compliance status
When using online systems, requesters should note:
- User registration may be required for some systems
- Fees apply for certain searches (typically $10-$30 per search)
- Not all arrest record information is available online
- Some information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
- The most comprehensive records still require formal requests
For official certified copies of arrest records, individuals must still contact the Kauai Police Department Records Division directly, as online systems typically provide informational access rather than certified documents.
How To Search Kauai County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to Kauai County arrest records have several options available, though free access is typically limited in scope compared to fee-based services. The following methods provide free or low-cost access to arrest record information:
Public Access Terminals:
The Hawaii State Judiciary maintains public access computer terminals at courthouse locations where individuals can search basic case information at no charge:
Kauai Judiciary Complex
3970 Kaana Street
Lihue, HI 96766
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)
These terminals provide access to:
- Case information
- Hearing schedules
- Case status
- Party names
- Charge information
Public Court Calendars:
Daily court calendars are publicly available and list individuals with scheduled court appearances following arrests:
- Posted daily at courthouse locations
- Available on the Hawaii State Judiciary website
- Include defendant names, case numbers, and hearing information
Local Newspaper Records:
The Garden Island newspaper and other local publications often report on significant arrests and may maintain searchable online archives:
- Recent arrest reports
- Major crime coverage
- Court proceedings
Kauai County Council Meeting Minutes:
Public safety reports presented at County Council meetings sometimes include arrest statistics and information:
- Available at the County Clerk's Office
- Posted on the Kauai County website
- Include summary-level information
Freedom of Information Requests:
While processing fees may apply for extensive searches, basic information requests under Hawaii's Uniform Information Practices Act may be fulfilled without charge if:
- The request is narrow in scope
- The information serves the public interest
- The request requires minimal processing time
Requesters should note that free access options typically provide limited information compared to official record checks. For comprehensive arrest record information, the fee-based services through the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center remain the most reliable source.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Kauai County
Individuals seeking to remove arrest records from public access in Kauai County have specific legal remedies available under Hawaii state law. The process depends on the case outcome and the time elapsed since the arrest. Hawaii law distinguishes between expungement (complete removal) and sealing (restricting public access) of records.
Expungement of Arrest Records:
Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 831-3.2, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records under the following circumstances:
-
The arrest did not result in a conviction, and:
- The case was dismissed with prejudice
- The person was acquitted
- No charges were filed within the statute of limitations
- The case was dismissed without prejudice and the statute of limitations has expired
-
The individual received a full pardon for the offense
The expungement process requires:
- Filing an application with the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
- Providing court documentation proving eligibility
- Submitting fingerprints for verification
- Paying the applicable processing fee (currently $35)
- Waiting for administrative review (typically 4-6 weeks)
Record Sealing:
For certain juvenile records or cases involving deferred acceptance of guilty or no contest pleas, records may be sealed rather than expunged:
-
Deferred Acceptance cases under HRS § 853-1:
- After successful completion of the deferral period
- Upon fulfillment of all court conditions
- With no subsequent criminal convictions
-
Juvenile records under HRS § 571-88:
- Upon reaching age 18
- With no adult criminal record
- After petition to Family Court
Limitations on Record Removal:
Certain records cannot be expunged or sealed:
- Convictions for most criminal offenses
- Sex offense registrations
- Traffic violations
- Cases with outstanding restitution
- Multiple arrests for separate incidents
Individuals seeking expungement or sealing of records should contact:
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
465 South King Street, Room 102
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 587-3100
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
Legal assistance is recommended for navigating the expungement process, as requirements are stringent and procedural errors may result in denial.
What Happens After Arrest in Kauai County?
Following an arrest in Kauai County, individuals enter a standardized criminal justice process governed by Hawaii state law and county procedures. This process includes several distinct phases from initial custody through case disposition:
Initial Custody and Booking:
- Transportation to Kauai Police Department detention facility
- Administrative booking process:
- Photograph and fingerprinting
- Personal information collection
- Property inventory
- Medical screening
- Criminal history check
- Initial determination of charges
Bail Determination:
- Bail amount set according to bail schedule or judicial determination
- Options for release:
- Cash bail
- Surety bond
- Release on own recognizance (ROR)
- Supervised release
- For certain serious offenses, bail may be denied
Initial Court Appearance:
- Occurs within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
- Takes place at Kauai District Court:
Kauai District Court
3970 Kaana Street
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 482-2300
- During initial appearance:
- Charges are formally read
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Public defender may be appointed if qualified
- Bail is reviewed
- Next court date is scheduled
Charging Decision:
- Prosecutor reviews evidence and police reports
- Determines whether to:
- File formal charges
- Modify charges
- Decline prosecution
- For felonies, prosecutor may present case to grand jury for indictment
Preliminary Hearing/Grand Jury:
- For felony cases only
- Determines if probable cause exists to proceed
- If probable cause is found, case proceeds to Circuit Court
- If not, case may be dismissed or reduced to misdemeanor
Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters plea:
- Not guilty
- Guilty
- No contest
- Trial date set if not guilty plea entered
Pre-Trial Proceedings:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pre-trial motions
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
Trial:
- Jury trial or bench trial (judge only)
- Prosecution presents case
- Defense presents case
- Verdict rendered
Sentencing (if convicted):
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Sentencing hearing scheduled
- Judge imposes sentence which may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines
- Restitution
- Community service
Post-Conviction:
- Right to appeal within 30 days
- Possible post-conviction remedies
- Probation supervision if applicable
- Incarceration if sentenced to jail or prison
Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a fair trial. The entire process from arrest to disposition typically takes several months, though complex cases may take a year or longer to resolve.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Kauai County?
Arrest records in Kauai County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Hawaii state law and administrative rules. The Hawaii Revised Statutes § 846-2.5 governs the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal history record information, including arrest records. These retention periods ensure both accountability in the criminal justice system and the preservation of important legal documentation.
Standard Retention Periods:
- Adult Arrest Records: Maintained indefinitely by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center unless expunged through legal process
- Juvenile Arrest Records: Generally sealed upon reaching age 18 if no subsequent adult criminal record exists
- Arrest Records with No Charges Filed: Maintained for at least 1 year after the statute of limitations expires
- Dismissed Cases: Maintained indefinitely but may be eligible for expungement
- Acquittals: Maintained indefinitely but may be eligible for expungement
Different agencies maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:
Kauai Police Department:
- Arrest reports: Permanent retention
- Booking photographs: Minimum 5-year retention
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention
- Incident reports: Minimum 5-year retention
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center:
- Criminal history records: Permanent retention
- Fingerprint records: Permanent retention
- Expunged records: Removed from public access but archived for limited official use
Kauai County Prosecutor's Office:
- Case files: Minimum 10-year retention after case closure
- Declined prosecutions: Minimum 3-year retention
Hawaii State Judiciary:
- Court case records: Permanent retention
- Court calendars and dockets: Permanent retention
- Exhibits: Retained until appeal period expires
The retention of arrest records serves several important purposes:
- Provides documentation for criminal investigations
- Supports prosecution of repeat offenders
- Enables background checks for sensitive employment
- Maintains statistical data for crime analysis
- Preserves evidence for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
Individuals concerned about the retention of their arrest records should note that expungement is the only mechanism to remove records from these systems before their scheduled destruction date. Expungement eligibility is strictly defined by statute and requires a formal application process through the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center.
How to Find Mugshots in Kauai County
Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Kauai County. These images 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 that typically include:
- Front-facing (portrait) view
- Profile (side) view
- Booking information board showing name and booking number
- Date of photograph
- Agency identification
Where Mugshots Are Maintained:
In Kauai County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
Kauai Police Department Records Division
3990 Kaana Street, Suite 200
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-1711
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
Finding Mugshots:
To obtain official mugshot photographs, individuals may:
-
Submit a formal records request to the Kauai Police Department
- Complete a records request form
- Provide identification
- Specify the booking photo being requested
- Pay applicable fees (typically $10-$25 per photograph)
-
Submit a request under the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA)
- Cite HRS Chapter 92F as the legal basis
- Clearly identify the specific mugshot requested
- Provide necessary identifying information
Can Mugshots Be Found Online:
Unlike some jurisdictions, Kauai County does not maintain a public-facing database of mugshots. However, mugshots may appear online through:
- Media outlets reporting on arrests
- Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots
- Court records if submitted as evidence
The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center does not include mugshots in its publicly accessible criminal history record information.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially:
The most reliable method to obtain an official mugshot is through a direct request to the Kauai Police Department. This ensures:
- Authenticity of the photograph
- Complete booking information
- Legal compliance with privacy regulations
- Proper chain of custody documentation if needed for legal purposes
Restrictions on Mugshot Access:
Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrestees (generally not public record)
- Active investigations where release could compromise case
- Expunged arrest records
- Cases involving confidential informants
- Certain domestic violence or sex crime victims
- When release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that while these photographs are generally considered public records, their publication and use may be subject to legal limitations regarding privacy, defamation, and commercial use.