Kauai County Public Records /Kauai County Inmate Search

Kauai County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Kauai County?

Inmate records in Kauai County are official government documents that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated within the county's correctional facilities. These records are maintained by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and document the entire custody lifecycle of an individual from initial booking through release.

Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F-12, inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways:

Court records document judicial proceedings, charges, and case dispositions
Inmate records document physical custody, housing, behavior, and institutional management
Court records are maintained by the Hawaii State Judiciary
Inmate records are maintained by correctional authorities

The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process, where demographic information, photographs, fingerprints, and initial charge information are collected. These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to document housing assignments, disciplinary actions, program participation, and other significant events. Upon release, records are finalized with discharge information but remain in the system as historical documentation.

In Kauai County, inmate records for the local correctional facility are maintained by the Kauai Community Correctional Center, which operates under the authority of the Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Are Inmate Records Public In Kauai County?

Inmate records in Kauai County are partially public under Hawaii's Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), codified in Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F. This law establishes that government records are presumptively open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.

The Hawaii Office of Information Practices provides guidance on public access to inmate records. According to current regulations, the following inmate information is generally available to the public:

Current inmate roster (names of individuals currently in custody)
Basic booking information (date and time of arrest and booking)
Current charges and bail/bond amounts
Scheduled release dates for sentenced inmates
Current facility location

However, certain information within inmate records is protected from disclosure under § 92F-13, including:

Medical and mental health information
Information that would pose a significant risk to facility security
Personal information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
Information related to ongoing investigations
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)

Members of the public seeking inmate information may contact the Kauai Community Correctional Center directly or utilize online resources provided by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Additional information about specific inmates may require submission of a formal records request under the UIPA.

What's Included Inmate Records in Kauai County

Inmate records in Kauai County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the correctional system. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
State identification number and/or booking number
Fingerprints and mugshot photographs

Custody Information:

Date and time of admission to facility
Custody classification level
Current housing assignment
Previous housing history within the facility
Disciplinary records and incident reports
Program participation and work assignments
Visitation records and approved visitor list

Charge Information:

Current charges (including statute numbers)
Arresting agency
Date and location of arrest
Court case numbers associated with current charges
Prior booking history (if applicable)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond/bail amount(s)
Bond type (cash, surety, etc.)
Bond status (posted, not posted, etc.)
Bond conditions (if applicable)

Court Information:

Next scheduled court appearance
Court location
Judge assigned to case
Public defender or private attorney information

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction charges
Sentence length and terms
Credit for time served
Projected release date
Parole eligibility date (if applicable)
Special conditions of sentence

Release Information:

Scheduled release date
Type of release (completion of sentence, bail/bond, transfer, etc.)
Post-release supervision requirements (if applicable)
Release destination (if known)

The Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintains these records in accordance with Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 23, which governs correctional facility operations throughout the state.

Kauai County Prison System

The correctional system in Kauai County operates as part of Hawaii's statewide correctional infrastructure. Unlike many mainland jurisdictions where county sheriffs operate local jails, Hawaii's unified correctional system places all facilities under state management through the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

The primary correctional facility serving Kauai County is the Kauai Community Correctional Center (KCCC), which functions as both a jail for pre-trial detainees and a prison for individuals serving sentences of up to one year. For sentences exceeding one year, inmates are typically transferred to larger facilities on other islands.

The distinction between jail and prison functions is important:

Jail functions include holding pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short sentences (typically under one year), and those awaiting transfer to other facilities
Prison functions include housing longer-term sentenced inmates and providing more extensive rehabilitation programming

The Kauai Community Correctional Center operates under the authority of the Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which was established in January 2024 when the former Department of Public Safety was reorganized into separate departments.

Kauai Community Correctional Center
3-5351 Kuhio Highway
Lihue, HI 96766
Phone: (808) 241-3050
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Types of Correctional Facilities In Kauai County

Kauai County is served by a single primary correctional facility that performs multiple functions within Hawaii's unified correctional system:

Kauai Community Correctional Center (KCCC)
3-5351 Kuhio Highway
Lihue, HI 96766
Phone: (808) 241-3050
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

The KCCC is a 128-bed facility that serves several distinct correctional purposes:

Pre-trial Detention: KCCC houses individuals awaiting trial who have not been granted or cannot afford bail/bond.
Misdemeanor Sentencing: The facility houses individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions, typically up to one year in duration.
Assessment and Classification: Newly sentenced felony offenders may be temporarily housed at KCCC while undergoing assessment and classification before transfer to an appropriate facility.
Community Corrections: KCCC administers community-based programs including work furlough and electronic monitoring for qualifying inmates.
Rehabilitative Programming: The facility offers various rehabilitative services including education, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training.

Unlike larger counties that may operate multiple specialized facilities (such as separate minimum, medium, and maximum-security institutions), Kauai's correctional needs are met by this single facility due to the county's relatively small population. Inmates requiring specialized housing or long-term incarceration for felony sentences are typically transferred to other facilities within the Hawaii correctional system, such as Halawa Correctional Facility on Oahu.

Who's in Prison In Kauai County

The Kauai Community Correctional Center houses several categories of individuals within the criminal justice system. The facility population typically consists of:

Pre-trial Detainees

Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
Those who have been denied bail due to flight risk or public safety concerns
Persons who cannot afford to post bail or bond
Individuals awaiting transfer to court appearances

Sentenced Misdemeanants

Persons convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of up to one year
Individuals serving multiple consecutive misdemeanor sentences
Those convicted of petty misdemeanors serving shorter sentences

Short-term Felony Offenders

Individuals serving the initial portion of felony sentences before transfer to other facilities
Felony offenders undergoing assessment and classification
Persons awaiting transfer to other correctional facilities

Community Release Program Participants

Work furlough program participants who leave the facility for employment during the day
Weekend sentencing program participants
Individuals transitioning back to the community under supervised release

Probation/Parole Violators

Individuals who have violated terms of probation or parole
Those awaiting revocation hearings
Persons serving sanctions for technical violations

According to data from the Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the KCCC population fluctuates but typically operates near or above its designed capacity of 128 beds. The facility houses both male and female inmates in separate housing units, with the majority being male pre-trial detainees.

The demographic composition of the inmate population generally reflects patterns seen throughout Hawaii's correctional system, with Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders disproportionately represented relative to their share of the general population, according to reports from the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Kauai County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Kauai County may utilize several methods to access this information. The Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation provides multiple channels for obtaining inmate status and location information:

Online Inmate Search

Visit the Hawaii Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification (SAVIN) system
Select "Find an Offender" from the main menu
Enter the inmate's first and last name or ID number if known
Review the search results for basic custody information
Note that this system provides limited information focused primarily on custody status and location

Telephone Inquiry

Contact the Kauai Community Correctional Center directly at (808) 241-3050
Provide the name of the individual you are inquiring about
Staff can confirm if the person is currently in custody at the facility
Basic information such as booking date and next court appearance may be available
Be prepared to provide your name and relationship to the inmate

In-Person Records Request

Visit the Kauai Community Correctional Center administrative office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays)
Complete a records request form specifying the information sought
Provide proper identification
Pay applicable fees for document reproduction if requesting copies
Allow processing time as specified by staff

Formal UIPA Request

Submit a written request under the Uniform Information Practices Act
Address the request to the Records Officer at:

Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
1177 Alakea Street, Room 418
Honolulu, HI 96813
Clearly identify the records being requested
Include contact information for response
Allow up to 10 business days for a response as provided under § 92F-23

For court case information related to an inmate, the Hawaii State Judiciary's eCourt Kokua system provides online access to case details, including charges, hearing dates, and case status.

How To Find an Inmate in Kauai County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Kauai County can be accomplished through several no-cost methods provided by government agencies. These resources are designed to help family members, legal representatives, and other interested parties verify an individual's custody status and location:

Hawaii SAVIN System

Access the Hawaii Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification system via web browser
No registration or account creation is required
Enter the inmate's first and last name in the search fields
The system will display custody status, facility location, and identification number
This service is available 24/7 and completely free of charge

Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Website

Visit the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation website
Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Facility Information" section
Follow the prompts to search by name or ID number
Basic custody information is provided at no cost
The website may also provide general information about visitation policies and facility contacts

Telephone Verification

Call the Kauai Community Correctional Center directly at (808) 241-3050
Request verification of an individual's custody status
Provide the full name and, if possible, date of birth of the person
Basic information about custody status can be provided over the phone
This service is available during regular business hours at no charge

Judiciary eCourt Kokua

Access the Hawaii State Judiciary's eCourt Kokua system
Search by name to locate court cases
Court records may indicate custody status and correctional facility
Basic case information is available without charge
Detailed documents may require fees for copies

When using these resources, it is advisable to have as much identifying information as possible, including the individual's full legal name, any known aliases, date of birth, and Hawaii state ID number if available. This information helps ensure accurate results, particularly for individuals with common names.

How To Visit an Inmate In Kauai County

Visitation at the Kauai Community Correctional Center follows specific protocols established by the Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Individuals planning to visit an inmate should familiarize themselves with the following guidelines:

Visit Rules and Procedures

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
Inmates may submit visitor applications during their initial intake process
New visitors may be added by submitting a visitor application form
All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor
All visitors are subject to search prior to entering the facility

Visit Schedule

Visitation hours are typically Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Pre-trial detainees may receive visits on Saturdays
Sentenced inmates may receive visits on Sundays
Special holiday visitation schedules are posted at the facility
Visits are limited to 30 minutes per session
Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before scheduled visitation time

What to Bring

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
Visitor pass issued by the facility
Vehicle keys (to be stored in provided lockers)
Medications needed during visit (must be declared and approved)
Baby supplies if visiting with infant (limited to one diaper, one bottle)

What NOT to Bring

Cell phones or electronic devices
Cameras or recording equipment
Weapons of any kind
Food or beverages
Tobacco products or smoking materials
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $50

Dress Code

Conservative attire is required
No revealing clothing (no shorts above mid-thigh, no low-cut tops)
No gang-related colors or symbols
No clothing with offensive language or images
No hats or head coverings (except religious items with prior approval)
No excessively baggy clothing
Footwear is required (no open-toe shoes)

Visit Types

Contact visits (available for eligible inmates)
Non-contact visits (through glass partition)
Special visits (attorney, clergy, etc.)
Video visitation (where available)

Visit Restrictions

Former inmates must wait 6 months after release before visiting
Persons on probation or parole must obtain written permission from their supervising officer
Visitors who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
Disruptive behavior will result in termination of visit and possible suspension of visiting privileges
Visitors with active warrants may be subject to arrest

These regulations are established pursuant to Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 23, Chapter 100, which governs correctional facility operations. Visitation policies are subject to change, and visitors are advised to contact the facility directly at (808) 241-3050 prior to planning a visit to confirm current procedures.

How To Send Money to a Kauai County Inmate

The Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's trust account at the Kauai Community Correctional Center. These funds can be used by inmates to purchase items from the commissary, pay for phone calls, and cover other approved expenses.

Electronic Deposits

Visit the Access Corrections website
Create an account or log in if you have an existing account
Select "Hawaii" as the state and "Kauai Community Correctional Center" as the facility
Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
Follow the prompts to complete the transaction using credit/debit card or electronic check
Service fees apply (typically $2.95 - $9.95 depending on deposit amount)
Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 1-2 business days

Money Order by Mail

Purchase a money order from a post office, bank, or authorized retailer
Make the money order payable to "Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation"
Write the inmate's full name and ID number in the memo section
Include a deposit slip with sender's name, address, and relationship to inmate
Mail to:

Kauai Community Correctional Center
Inmate Trust Accounts
3-5351 Kuhio Highway
Lihue, HI 96766
No service fees apply for money orders
Processing typically takes 5-7 business days

Lobby Kiosk (Cash Deposits)

Visit the lobby of the Kauai Community Correctional Center during business hours
Locate the automated kiosk machine
Follow on-screen instructions to deposit cash
Obtain and keep receipt for your records
Service fees apply (typically $3.00 per transaction)
Funds are usually available in the inmate's account within 24 hours

Amount Limits

Minimum deposit amount: $5.00
Maximum single deposit: $500.00
Maximum monthly deposits per inmate: $1,500.00
Additional restrictions may apply for inmates with certain financial obligations

What Money Can Be Used For

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Telephone calls
Electronic messaging where available
Approved educational materials
Restitution payments
Court-ordered financial obligations

What Money Cannot Be Used For

Transferring funds to other inmates
Purchasing contraband items
Paying for unauthorized services
Gambling or betting activities
Transactions with unauthorized vendors

All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 23, Chapter 102, which governs inmate funds and accounts. Suspicious transactions may be investigated and potentially result in disciplinary action for the inmate or suspension of deposit privileges for the sender.

How To Send Jail Mail In Kauai County

Correspondence with inmates at the Kauai Community Correctional Center is permitted but must adhere to specific guidelines established by the Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. All mail is subject to inspection and must comply with facility regulations.

General Mail Guidelines

All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name and ID number (if known)
- Kauai Community Correctional Center address:
  
  Kauai Community Correctional Center
  3-5351 Kuhio Highway
  Lihue, HI 96766
- Sender's full name and return address on the envelope
Mail without proper identification may be returned to sender
All mail is opened and inspected for contraband (except legal mail)
Mail is typically delivered to inmates within 24-48 hours after processing

Permitted Items

Letters on plain paper (white or light-colored)
Photographs (maximum size 4" x 6", limit of 5 per envelope)
Greeting cards (plain cards without electronic or 3D components)
Money orders (following proper procedure for inmate deposits)
Approved religious materials (subject to review)
Legal documents (marked as legal mail)

Prohibited Items

Cash or personal checks
Stamps or envelopes
Stickers or adhesive labels
Crayon or marker writings
Perfumed or scented items
Polaroid photographs
Hardcover books or magazines (must come directly from publisher)
Packages (without prior approval)
Items containing glitter, glue, or tape
Plastic or laminated materials
Sexually explicit materials
Gang-related content

Legal Mail

Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
Must come from an attorney, court, or legal organization
Will be opened in the presence of the inmate
Is not read by staff but is inspected for contraband
Should include attorney's bar number when applicable

Books and Publications

Must be sent directly from the publisher or approved vendor
Paperback books only (hardcover books are prohibited)
Subject to content review by facility staff
Limited to 3 books per mailing
Excessive accumulation may be limited due to storage constraints

Electronic Messaging (where available)

Available through approved service providers
Subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail
May incur usage fees
Messages may be printed and delivered to inmates without computer access

All mail procedures are governed by Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 23, Chapter 106, which establishes guidelines for inmate correspondence. The facility reserves the right to reject any correspondence that violates these regulations or poses a threat to the safety, security, or order of the institution.