Hawaii Expungement Laws 2026
Hawaii expungement and record-sealing laws: eligibility, waiting periods, and how to clear a criminal record in Hawaii.
Hawaii allows certain criminal records to be cleared or sealed. The relief is called "Expungement", governed by Haw. Rev. Stat. § 831-3.2.
At a glance
| Detail | Hawaii |
|---|---|
| Relief available | Expungement |
| Statute | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 831-3.2 |
| Automatic clearing? | No — a court petition is required |
| Waiting period | 1-10 years by offense |
| Eligible records | Eligible convictions (one or more) and acquittals |
| Process | Petition the court for an expungement order |
Who is eligible
Eligible convictions (one or more) and acquittals.
How the process works
Petition the court for an expungement order.
Source and last verified
Statute: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 831-3.2. Last verified: 2026-08-04. Laws change — confirm the current rule with the Hawaii records authority before acting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is record clearing called in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, the relief is called "Expungement", governed by Haw. Rev. Stat. § 831-3.2.
How long do I wait before clearing a record in Hawaii?
1-10 years by offense.
Who can clear a record in Hawaii?
Eligible convictions (one or more) and acquittals.
Does Hawaii clear records automatically?
No — in Hawaii you generally must file a petition and obtain a court order before a record is cleared.