Are You Eligible for Expungement in Hawaii? A Quick Checklist

If an arrest or charge is showing up on background checks, expungement in Hawaii may help you clear your record in Hawaii and move forward. Whether your case was in Downtown Honolulu, Kapolei, Kāneʻohe, Wailuku, or Hilo, eligibility turns on the outcome of your case—not just the charge itself.

 

What Expungement Means in Hawaii

Expungement removes eligible Hawaii arrest records from public access after a formal petition (often through the Attorney General’s office in Honolulu). It’s different from sealing; when granted, most public checks no longer display the expunged arrest. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards typically see a cleaner profile.

 

Who Is Commonly Eligible

Many people qualify if their case ended without a conviction—dismissal, not guilty, or a successfully completed deferred acceptance (DAGP/DANC). Some convictions aren’t eligible, and timelines matter. If your case started in Waikīkī or Kakaʻako and was later dismissed downtown, you may be closer than you think.

 

Quick Eligibility Checklist

  • Your arrest in Honolulu, Maui, or another island did not result in a conviction
  • Your case was dismissed, not guilty, or successfully completed under a deferred acceptance(DAGP/DANC)
  • Any waiting period in the statute or court order has elapsed
  • You can access needed records (police report numbers from HPD or MPD, case numbers from District/Circuit Court)
  • There are no pending charges and no conflicting probation terms
  • Your record doesn’t involve excluded offenses under current Hawaii law

 

Documents and Timelines

Plan to gather the complaint or citation number, final court disposition, and police incident numbers. Honolulu cases may require requests from HPD Records; Maui matters often go through Wailuku court and MPD. Processing times vary, but filing a complete, accurate petition reduces delays.

 

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Submitting incomplete forms, mixing up case numbers from different courts, or filing before a waiting period ends are the most frequent roadblocks. Another issue: assuming a dismissed case “drops off” automatically—it usually doesn’t. A targeted filing is often required to clear the record.

 

Local Insight Helps

Procedures can differ slightly between Oʻahu and the neighbor islands. We routinely help clients from Ala Moana to Mililani and from Lahaina to Pukalani assemble the right documents, file with the correct agency, and follow up so the record actually gets cleared.

 

Ready to Check Your Eligibility?

We’ll review your outcome, confirm timing, and map the fastest path to a cleaner record. Visit our Expungement page and Criminal Defense overview to learn more, then contact us to review your eligibility. A short call can clarify your options and start the process today.