Court Records Hawaii

Hawaii was the last state to join the union in 1959, making it the 50^th state. It is the only state that is made up of only islands, and is the only state that is not part of the North American continent. The Hawaiian Islands are constantly growing due to volcanic activity. The islands were formed by volcanic activity as well. Hawaii's population is around 1.3 million, with a large number of military personnel and seasonal tourists too. The capital and largest city is Honolulu with a population of around 876,156.

Hawaii has a tropical climate with summer highs in the high 80s and winter temperatures in the low to mid 80s, occasionally dropping to the mid 60's at night. The highest points in the Hawaiian Islands, Mauna Kea and Mona Loa will get some snow in the winter.

The main industry in Hawaii is tourism, though sugarcane, pineapple and military are lesser industries as well.

Vital records since 1853 for the state of Hawaii can be retrieved from the Hawaii Office of Vital Records. Hawaii court records and other public records are open to the public as defined in the Hawaii Open Records Law. The Act explains what information is not available to the general public due to privacy legislation.

Hawaii Vital Records Information:
State Department of Health
Office of Health Status Monitoring
Vital Records Section
P.O. Box 3378
Honolulu, HI 96801-9984

Hawaii's Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of Hawaii is the highest and final court. Appeals from the Intermediate Court of Appeals are heard here, as well as reserved questions of law from circuit courts, Tax Appeal court and Land Court. It also deals with applications for writs, election complaints and makes rules and sets procedures for the legal system in the state.

Hawaii's Intermediate Court of Appeals

The Intermediate Court of Appeals hears almost all appeals from the trial courts and also can hear other cases from Circuit Courts or Tax Appeal Court.

Hawaii's Circuit Court

Hawaii’s Circuit Court system holds jury trials of a general jurisdiction and have jurisdiction over guardianship, probate and criminal cases as well as civil suits under $20,000. Misdemeanor cases and mechanics' liens from District Court are held here before a jury.

Hawaii District Court

Hawaii’s district courts deal with traffic violations, eviction proceedings, summary possession, non-jury civil cases under $10,000 and small claims. Criminal cases that have a maximum punishment of less than one year of jail time or a fine are heard by the District Courts, as are violations of county regulations and restraining orders.

Hawaii's Family Court

Family Court deals with legal matters that involve children including status offences, delinquency, abuse, adoption, parental rights and guardianship. Family Court also hears custody cases, divorce, child support, paternity, domestic violence, and other domestic

Court Records for the State of Hawaii are available from state courts and county courts, whose addresses are all listed below.

There is only one District Bankruptcy court in Hawaii.

US Bankruptcy Court - District of Hawaii

Hawaii’s official webpage is http://www.hawaii.gov/

All county courthouses for court records – Hawaii are found below.

County Courthouses:

Hawaii County
25 Aupuni St., Room 209
Hilo, HI 96720-4252

Telephone: (808) 961-8255

Honolulu County
Vital Records Section
State Department of Health
P.O. Box 3378
Honolulu, HI 96801

Telephone: (808) 586-4533

Kauai County
3059 Umi Street
Lihue, HI 96766

Telephone: (808) 246-3330