Public Records Fee in Hawaii
2 min read
Published July 14, 2026 • By DocketMath Team
This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
Public Records Fee in Hawaii
Hawaii’s public records fee is governed by HRS § 92F-11, which authorizes agencies to charge for the actual costs of searching, reviewing, and segregating records. The statute does not set a fixed dollar amount; instead, it establishes that the fee must be reasonable and based on the specific time and labor required for each request. The law provides that the first hour of search time is often free, but beyond that, the agency may assess charges according to a formula outlined in the statute. For a step-by-step breakdown of how that calculation works, see the worked example below. Use the DocketMath calculator to estimate your own expected fee based on your request’s details.
Governing authority
In Hawaii, the public records fee rule is set by HRS § 92F-11. The verified packet cites HRS § 92F-11 (https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol02_Ch0046-0115/HRS0092F/HRS_0092F-0011.htm).
Hawaii public records fee: governed by HRS § 92F-11. The verified packet cites HRS § 92F-11 (https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol02_Ch0046-0115/HRS0092F/HRS_0092F-0011.htm).
Estimate your own result: every situation has exceptions that can change the outcome. Use the public records fee calculator to estimate your specific figure.
This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
