Hawaii County
Often referred to as the Big Island to differentiate it from the State of Hawaii, Hawaii County has a land area measuring 4,028.02 square miles, encompassing almost two-thirds of the state's total landmass. The county was created in 1905 and has an estimated population of 208,000.
Hawaii County residents are served by a circuit court, a district court, and a family court. The Hawaii Third Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction in probate, felony, and guardianship matters and civil cases in which the amount in dispute exceeds $40,000. It also has concurrent jurisdiction with the district court over misdemeanor violations, mechanics' liens, and non-jury cases involving an amount ranging from $10,000 to $40,000.
Similarly, the Hawaii Third Circuit District Court holds hearings for both civil and criminal cases; however, it does not hold jury trials. This court presides over traffic infractions and violations, civil actions with damages under $40,000, and criminal offenses punishable by up to a year of incarceration.
The Hawaii Third Circuit Family Court has statutory authority over legal matters involving children. It handles cases of detention, adoption, parental rights termination, abuse, child custody, divorce, paternity and status offenses.
Court records for cases filed within Hawaii County are open to the public in accordance with court rules and Hawaii State law. However, the public cannot access sealed court records without a court order. Firstly, Hawaii County court records are maintained by the clerk of court where the case was filed. To view or purchase copies of records, interested parties must submit a completed Request to Access Court Records form to the clerk's office.
Secondly, court records are also available at public libraries and accessible from designated computers in the courthouse. Individuals can purchase copies of records for a fee.
Thirdly, the eCourt Kokua website provides quick and remote access to court records in Hawaii County. This website allows users to download or purchase records either immediately or within three business days. By providing a case ID, citation number, party ID, or business name, you can access these types of records:
- Traffic records
- Criminal records (district, family, and circuit courts)
- Civil records (district, family, and circuit courts)
- Appellate court records
