Adoption Circle of Hawaii

Hawaii's Adoption Record Law

Since 1991, members of the triad may request access to their sealed adoption records held by Family Court.  These records contain information about the parties to the adoption and include court documents, the home study, and the adoptee's original birth certificate.

The request for access is made directly to the Family Court, on forms provided by the Court.  The request may include a personal letter, photographs, or other documents in support of the request for access.

If the Court cannot find the other party, to get their permission or request for confidentiality, the request for access is referred to an independent court-appointed agent.  The agent makes a good faith search of 120 days.  If the agent makes contact with the party, the party is advised that they may give their permission or request confidentiality.

If at the end of 120 days, the party is not contacted, access is then provided to the person making the request.

The entire process can take up to seven months, as there are waiting periods between the time the Court receives the request, first tries to contact the other party, and makes the referral to the independent agent.

The Court will not be responsible of any fees incurred by the independent agent.  The costs of the search will be the responsibility of the person making the request for access.

For more information contact:

Adoption Records                                                                                     

First Circuit Court, Family Court

777 Punchbowl Street P.O. Box 3498

Honolulu, Hawaii 96811-3498

Phone: 808-539-4424                             http://www.courts.state.hi.us/index.jsp