Request Police Use-of-Force Records in Honolulu

Public Safety Hawaii 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 09, 2026 Flag of Hawaii

In Honolulu, Hawaii, members of the public can request police use-of-force records from the Honolulu Police Department and related city offices. This guide explains where to submit requests, what information to provide, typical processing steps, and the official offices that handle disclosure. It also covers oversight channels for force incidents, common limits on release, and practical actions to obtain incident reports and body-worn camera footage.

Start by identifying the incident date, location, and names or badge numbers if possible.

What counts as a use-of-force record

Use-of-force records may include officer incident reports, use-of-force reports, body-worn camera or in-car video footage, supervisor reviews, and related administrative files. Some material may be redacted for privacy or safety, or withheld under statutory exemptions.

How to request records

Submit a public records request to the Honolulu Police Department Records Division or through the City and County of Honolulu open records process. Provide a clear description of the records, incident identifiers (date, time, location), and your contact information. Requests may be made in writing, by email, or using the departments published request form when available.[1][2]

  • Identify the incident: date, time, location, and officer names or badge numbers.
  • Specify the record types requested (reports, body-worn camera, supervisory reviews).
  • Include your contact email and phone for correspondence and fee estimates.
  • Ask whether fees apply and request an estimate in advance.
Government records requests should be as specific as possible to avoid delays.

Penalties & Enforcement

There is no separate criminal penalty listed on the primary request pages for withholding routine police records; monetary fines and sanctions for noncompliance with public records laws are not summarized on the cited public pages. For administrative or disciplinary matters arising from an officers use of force, internal review, the Honolulu Police Commission, or courts may impose sanctions under their procedures; specific fine amounts or escalation schedules are not specified on the cited pages.[1][2]

  • Monetary fines for records violations: not specified on the cited page.
  • Administrative sanctions for officer misconduct: may include reprimand, suspension, or termination depending on findings; exact penalties not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcers and reviewers: Honolulu Police Department Records Division, Honolulu Police Commission, and judicial review where applicable.[1]
  • Complaints and inspections: file through HPD internal affairs or the Police Commission complaint channels; contact details are on official pages.[1]

Appeals, review and time limits

Procedures to appeal a denial of records or to seek judicial review are governed by state law and local process. The cited municipal and state pages do not list explicit fee amounts, precise response time limits, or statutory appeal deadlines in plain-summary form; consult the official statute text and agency contacts for deadlines and appeal steps.[2]

If your request is denied, ask the agency for the specific legal exemption cited and the appeal route.

Applications & Forms

The Honolulu Police Department publishes a Records Division request procedure and the City Clerk accepts public records requests for city agencies. Specific form names and fees are not listed in summary on the cited pages; request the form directly from the Records Division or City Clerk when you submit your request.[1][3]

Action steps to obtain use-of-force records

  1. Prepare a written request with incident details and the records you want.
  2. Submit the request to HPD Records Division or City Clerk; request fee estimate.
  3. Track correspondence and respond promptly to clarification requests.
  4. Pay any lawful copying or processing fees as directed.
  5. If denied, request the exemption citation and follow the agency appeal process or seek judicial review.

FAQ

How long will it take to get use-of-force records?
Processing times vary; the cited agency pages do not provide a guaranteed turnaround in summary form. Contact the Records Division for an estimate.[1]
Are body-worn camera videos released?
Body-worn camera footage may be subject to redaction or withholding under exemptions; check with HPD Records and request review of the decision.[1]
Will I have to pay fees?
Copying and processing fees may apply. The specific fee schedule is not summarized on the cited pages; ask for an estimate when you submit the request.[1]

How-To

  1. Identify the incident details: date, time, location, and officer identifiers.
  2. Draft a clear written request listing the records you seek.
  3. Send the request to HPD Records Division or the City Clerk using the official contact method.
  4. Ask for a fee estimate and expected processing time.
  5. If denied, request the exemption citation and pursue the agency appeal or judicial review.

Key Takeaways

  • Be specific: detailed incident info speeds processing.
  • Contact HPD Records Division and City Clerk for forms and instructions.
  • Denials include an exemption citation; ask about appeal steps.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Honolulu Police Department u2014 Records Division
  2. [2] Hawaii State Legislature u2014 Laws and Statutes (Chapter 92F UIPA)
  3. [3] City and County of Honolulu u2014 Open Records / City Clerk

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