Hawaii Warrant Search
Are Warrants Public Record in Hawaii
Warrant records are public documents in Hawaii pursuant to the state's Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), codified in Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F. This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including warrant information. The transparency of warrant records serves to maintain public safety and ensure accountability within the judicial system.
The Hawaii State Judiciary maintains these records as part of its commitment to open government principles. Under Hawaii law, specifically HRS § 92F-11, all government records are presumed to be open to public inspection unless access is restricted or closed by law. Warrant records generally fall under this presumption of accessibility, though certain exceptions may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile matters, or where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as defined in HRS § 92F-13.
The Hawaii State Judiciary oversees the maintenance and accessibility of court records, including warrants. Members of the public seeking warrant information may access these records through designated terminals at courthouse locations throughout the state or through authorized online portals. The judiciary has implemented electronic systems to facilitate public access while maintaining the integrity and security of sensitive information.
What Is Contained in Warrant Records in Hawaii
Warrant records in Hawaii contain specific information as mandated by state law and judicial procedures. These documents typically include:
- Subject Identification: Full legal name of the individual against whom the warrant is issued, along with other identifying information such as date of birth, physical description, and last known address when available.
- Case Information: The docket number, issuing court, and jurisdiction under which the warrant was authorized.
- Warrant Classification: Designation of the warrant type (arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant) and its current status (active, recalled, or executed).
- Issuance Details: The date of issuance, name of the issuing judge or magistrate, and expiration date if applicable.
- Alleged Offense: Description of the alleged violation or reason for the warrant, including relevant statutory citations.
- Bail Information: When applicable, the predetermined bail amount or notation if the subject is to be held without bail.
The content of warrant records is governed by Hawaii Rules of Penal Procedure, specifically Rule 9 for arrest warrants and Rule 41 for search warrants. These rules establish the required elements that must be documented in official warrant records.
How to Check For Warrants in Hawaii For Free
Members of the public may verify warrant status in Hawaii without incurring fees through several official channels. The Hawaii State Judiciary provides public access terminals at courthouse locations where individuals may conduct searches of public court records, including warrant information.
The judiciary's eBench Warrant system allows authorized users to access warrant information electronically. While full access to this system is restricted to law enforcement personnel and authorized criminal justice agencies, limited public information may be available through this portal.
Individuals seeking to verify warrant status may also:
- Visit the Records Division of their local circuit court during regular business hours
- Contact the Sheriff Division of the Department of Law Enforcement at:
Department of Law Enforcement - Sheriff Division
715 South King Street, Suite 410
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Telephone: (808) 587-5002
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding state holidays)
For neighbor islands, individuals may contact:
- Hawaii Section: (808) 933-8833
- Kauai Section: (808) 482-2470
- Maui Section: (808) 244-2900
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Hawaii in 2025
As of 2025, individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Hawaii may utilize several official verification methods established by state authorities. The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC) maintains the statewide Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS-Hawaii), which contains warrant information accessible to authorized agencies.
Pursuant to recent amendments to HRS § 846-9, individuals may request information regarding their own criminal history record, which would include active warrants. This process requires:
- Submission of a completed application form
- Verification of identity through government-issued photo identification
- Payment of applicable processing fees
- Fingerprint submission for positive identification
For immediate verification of warrant status, individuals may:
- Appear in person at any District or Circuit Court location in Hawaii
- Contact the Sheriff Division directly at (808) 587-5002
- Consult with a licensed attorney who can access court records on behalf of clients
The Department of Law Enforcement has implemented enhanced public notification protocols in accordance with HB1189 (2024), which modified certain aspects of warrant execution procedures under HRS § 803-37.
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Hawaii
Verification of outstanding warrants in Hawaii requires accessing official judicial and law enforcement resources. The public may utilize the following methods to determine if active warrants exist:
- Court Records Search: The Hawaii State Judiciary maintains searchable databases of court records, including warrant information. Public access terminals are available at all courthouse locations during regular business hours:
Hawaii State Judiciary - First Circuit Court
Ka'ahumanu Hale
777 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Telephone: (808) 539-4300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Electronic Criminal Record Checks: The eCrim system operated by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center allows individuals to conduct name-based criminal history record checks, which may include information about outstanding warrants. This service requires:
- Creation of an online account
- Payment of statutory fees
- Submission of required identifying information
Direct Inquiry: Individuals may contact the Sheriff Division or local police department to inquire about warrant status:
Honolulu Police Department - Records Division
801 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Telephone: (808) 529-3111
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Pursuant to HRS § 92F-12(a)(5), information relating to an individual's criminal history is specifically designated as a record that must be disclosed upon request, subject to certain statutory exceptions.
How to Find Federal Warrant Search
Federal warrants in Hawaii are issued by United States District Courts and are distinct from state warrants. These federal instruments are executed by federal law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Marshals Service, or other federal authorities.
To determine if a federal warrant exists, individuals may:
- Contact the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii:
United States District Court - District of Hawaii
300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room C-338
Honolulu, Hawaii 96850
Telephone: (808) 541-1300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- Consult the Federal Bureau of Investigation:
FBI Honolulu Field Office
91-1300 Enterprise Avenue
Kapolei, Hawaii 96707
Telephone: (808) 566-4300
- Contact the United States Marshals Service:
U.S. Marshals Service - District of Hawaii
300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 4-230
Honolulu, Hawaii 96850
Telephone: (808) 541-3000
Federal warrant information is subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552, which establishes the public's right to request access to records from federal agencies. However, certain exemptions under 5 U.S.C. § 552(b) may limit disclosure of information related to ongoing investigations or matters that could compromise law enforcement proceedings.
The Department of Law Enforcement coordinates with federal agencies when federal warrants involve individuals located within the state of Hawaii. Recent interagency operations, such as those described in the task force seizure of illegal fireworks, demonstrate the collaborative execution of federal search warrants in Hawaii.
Search Warrant Records in Hawaii
