Kauai County Criminal Records
What Is Kauai County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Kauai County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 846-2.7, which establishes the framework for criminal history record information in the state.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories of documentation:
- Arrest Records: Documents created when law enforcement takes an individual into custody, including booking information, charges, and mugshots
- Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings, including charges filed, hearings, trial information, and case dispositions
- Conviction Records: Records of guilty verdicts or pleas, which have more permanent status than arrest records without convictions
- Incarceration Records: Documentation of time served in county jail or state prison facilities
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document only that an individual was taken into custody and charged, while conviction records confirm that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense either through trial or plea. Under Hawaii law, arrests that do not lead to convictions may be eligible for expungement under certain circumstances.
Criminal offenses in Kauai County are categorized as:
- Felonies: Serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of more than one year
- Misdemeanors: Less serious offenses typically punishable by up to one year in jail
- Petty Misdemeanors: Minor offenses punishable by up to 30 days in jail
- Violations: Non-criminal offenses typically punishable by fines only
Juvenile records (for individuals under 18) are generally sealed and not accessible to the public, as provided by Hawaii Revised Statutes § 571-84, which protects the confidentiality of juvenile proceedings.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Kauai County:
Kauai Police Department
3990 Kaana Street
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-1711
Kauai Police Department
Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement - Sheriff Division (Kauai Section)
3060 Eiwa Street, Room 315
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 482-2470
Sheriff Division
Hawaii State Judiciary - Fifth Circuit Court (Kauai)
3970 Kaana Street
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 482-2347
Hawaii State Judiciary
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
465 South King Street, Room 101
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 587-3100
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
Are Criminal Records Public In Kauai County
Criminal records in Kauai County are generally considered public information under the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), Hawaii's public records law codified in Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 92F. This statute establishes the presumption that government records are open to public inspection unless access is specifically restricted or prohibited by law.
According to HRS § 92F-11(a): "All government records are open to public inspection unless access is restricted or closed by law." This provision creates a foundation for public access to criminal records maintained by government agencies in Kauai County.
However, not all criminal records are equally accessible. The public status of criminal records varies based on several factors:
- Adult Conviction Records: Generally fully accessible to the public
- Adult Arrest Records: Accessible with some limitations, particularly for arrests not resulting in conviction
- Court Proceedings and Documents: Most court records are public, though certain sensitive information may be redacted
- Ongoing Investigations: Records related to active investigations are typically exempt from disclosure
- Sealed or Expunged Records: Not accessible to the public
- Juvenile Records: Generally confidential under HRS § 571-84, with limited exceptions
The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC), operating under the Attorney General's office, serves as the central repository for criminal history record information throughout the state, including Kauai County. The HCJDC provides criminal history record checks to authorized entities and individuals in accordance with state law.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure exist under HRS § 92F-13, including:
- Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Records pertaining to ongoing law enforcement proceedings
- Records that would impair present or imminent law enforcement activities
- Records protected by state or federal law
For criminal records specifically, HRS § 846-9 provides additional guidance on dissemination of criminal history record information, balancing public access rights with privacy protections.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Kauai County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Kauai County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal records:
In-Person Requests at the Kauai County Courthouse:
- Visit the Fifth Circuit Court Records Department located at:
Hawaii State Judiciary - Fifth Circuit Court
3970 Kaana Street
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 482-2347
Kauai Circuit Court
- Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth or case number
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for document copies ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
- Court records staff will conduct the search and provide available public records
The Records Department is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding state holidays.
Mail Requests for Criminal Records:
- Submit a written request to:
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
465 South King Street, Room 101
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 587-3100
-
Include the following information:
- Subject's full legal name and any aliases
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number (if available)
- Notarized consent from the subject (if requesting another person's records)
- Return address and contact information
- Check or money order for applicable fees
-
Allow 10-15 business days for processing
Criminal History Record Checks:
For official criminal history record checks, individuals may:
- Visit the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center website
- Complete the Criminal History Record Check Application form
- Submit fingerprints through an authorized fingerprinting agency
- Pay the required fee ($25 for name checks, $35 for fingerprint-based checks)
- Receive results by mail or secure electronic delivery
Pursuant to HRS § 846-2.7, certain entities may request criminal history record checks for employment, licensing, or volunteer screening purposes.
How To Find Criminal Records in Kauai County Online?
Kauai County residents and interested parties can access various criminal records through several online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. These digital resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests.
The primary online resource for court records is the Hawaii State Judiciary's eCourt Kokua system. This platform allows users to search for:
- Circuit Court criminal cases
- District Court criminal cases
- Traffic cases
- Family Court criminal cases
To use eCourt Kokua:
- Visit the Hawaii State Judiciary's search portal
- Select "eCourt Kokua" from the available options
- Accept the terms and conditions
- Search by name, case ID, citation number, or attorney
- Review the case summary information provided
- Note that while basic case information is available, certain documents may require in-person requests
The system provides information including:
- Case number and filing date
- Charges filed
- Hearing dates and times
- Case status and disposition
- Judgment information
- Attorney of record
For criminal history record checks, the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center offers the eCrim service:
- Visit the eCrim portal
- Create an account or log in
- Provide the required information and consent
- Pay the applicable fee ($5.00 per name-based search)
- Receive results electronically
This service provides conviction information only, not arrest records without convictions.
The Department of Public Safety maintains an inmate search function that includes individuals held at Kauai Community Correctional Center. This database provides:
- Inmate ID and custody status
- Facility location
- Minimum release date (if applicable)
- Charges and sentence information
Users should note that online systems have certain limitations:
- Records prior to computerization (generally pre-1990s) may not be available online
- Sealed or expunged records are not accessible
- Juvenile records are not included in public databases
- Some case documents require in-person requests
- Registration may be required for certain searches
Can You Search Kauai County Criminal Records for Free?
Kauai County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without charge, though certain limitations apply. Hawaii law, specifically HRS § 92F-11, establishes the right to inspect public records during regular business hours without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.
Free In-Person Inspection:
The following locations offer free in-person inspection of public criminal records:
Hawaii State Judiciary - Fifth Circuit Court
3970 Kaana Street
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 482-2347
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Kauai Circuit Court
Individuals may review:
- Public court files
- Case dockets
- Judgment records
- Court calendars
While inspection is free, standard copy fees apply ($1.00 per page, $2.00 for certified copies).
Free Online Resources:
Several online platforms provide free access to basic criminal record information:
-
eCourt Kokua - The Hawaii State Judiciary's public access portal offers free searches for:
- Case information
- Hearing dates
- Case status
- Party names
- Charges filed
-
Hawaii Judiciary Calendar - Provides free access to upcoming court appearances
-
Department of Public Safety Inmate Search - Offers free lookup of current inmates in Hawaii correctional facilities
-
Sex Offender Registry - Maintained by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center, provides free public access to registered sex offender information
Fee-Based Services:
While basic searches are free, comprehensive criminal history reports typically require payment:
- Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center charges $25 for name-based criminal history checks
- Fingerprint-based checks cost $35
- Certified court documents incur fees based on document type and length
It should be noted that pursuant to HRS § 92F-42, government agencies may charge reasonable fees for searching, reviewing, or segregating records when these activities are extensive. The Office of Information Practices has established guidelines for when such fees may be assessed.
What's Included in a Kauai County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Kauai County contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and place of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as scars, tattoos, or birthmarks
- Current and previous addresses
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Photograph/mugshot (for arrest records)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking number and facility
- Charges at time of arrest with corresponding Hawaii Revised Statutes citations
- Bail or bond amount
- Pre-trial detention information
- Arresting circumstances summary
Court Case Information:
- Court case number and jurisdiction (District or Circuit Court)
- Filing date and court location
- Judge assigned to the case
- Formal charges filed by the prosecutor
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, petty misdemeanor)
- Plea entered
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
- Hearing dates and proceedings
- Motion filings and judicial rulings
- Trial information (if applicable)
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Case outcome (conviction, acquittal, dismissal)
- Conviction date
- Sentencing details including:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Post-conviction proceedings
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
- Completion of sentence information
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- Firearms restrictions
- Professional license restrictions
- Immigration consequences (if applicable)
- Diversion program participation
- Specialty court involvement (Drug Court, Veterans Court)
The comprehensiveness of records may vary based on the age of the case, the maintaining agency, and whether any information has been sealed or expunged pursuant to court order. Records maintained by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center typically provide the most complete criminal history information across jurisdictions within the state.
How Long Does Kauai County Keep Criminal Records?
Criminal records in Kauai County are subject to retention schedules established by Hawaii state law and administrative rules. The duration for which these records are maintained varies based on record type, offense severity, and case outcome. The Hawaii State Archives oversees the records management program for state and county agencies pursuant to HRS § 94-3.
Court Records Retention:
The Hawaii State Judiciary maintains criminal case records according to the following general schedule:
- Felony Cases: Permanent retention for cases resulting in conviction
- Misdemeanor Cases: 25 years from date of final disposition
- Petty Misdemeanor Cases: 10 years from date of final disposition
- Traffic Violations: 7 years from date of final disposition
- Acquittals and Dismissals: 5 years from date of final disposition, though records of the proceedings remain permanently in court indices
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
The Kauai Police Department and other law enforcement agencies typically maintain:
- Arrest Records: 25 years from date of arrest
- Investigation Reports: 25 years for felonies; 7 years for misdemeanors
- Booking Photos and Fingerprints: Permanent retention for convicted individuals; 5 years for arrests not resulting in conviction
- Incident Reports: 7 years from date of report
Criminal History Repository:
The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center maintains criminal history records according to the following guidelines:
- Conviction Information: Permanent retention unless expunged by court order
- Non-Conviction Arrests: Maintained for 1 year, then automatically removed from public criminal history reports pursuant to HRS § 846-9
- Expunged Records: Removed from public access immediately upon receipt of expungement order
Juvenile Records:
Records pertaining to juvenile offenders are subject to special confidentiality provisions under HRS § 571-84 and are generally:
- Sealed upon the individual reaching 18 years of age
- Automatically expunged when the individual reaches 21 years of age, provided there are no subsequent adult criminal convictions
It should be noted that while records may be removed from public access after their retention period expires, certain information may be maintained in archival form for historical and research purposes. Additionally, federal agencies such as the FBI may maintain criminal history information according to federal retention schedules, which may differ from state requirements.
The Hawaii State Judiciary Records Management Branch oversees the implementation of retention schedules for court records, while the Department of the Attorney General provides guidance on criminal history record retention through administrative rules adopted pursuant to HRS § 846-14.
Lookup Criminal Records in Kauai County
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
Hawaii State Judiciary Court Records Search
Kauai County Fifth Circuit Court
eCourt Kokua Online Records System