Hawaii Mugshot Removal & Expungement Guide
How mugshot removal, expungement, and record sealing actually work under Hawaii law.
Hawaii does not currently have a statute requiring commercial mugshot websites to remove a photo on request — a bill addressing this (HB 529) was introduced but failed to pass. Removal here relies on direct negotiation with the publisher and search-engine de-indexing.
Hawaii's expungement statute (HRS § 831-3.2) primarily covers non-conviction records, with separate statutes governing specific conviction types like first-time drug or property offenses.
- Petty misdemeanor / violation with bail forfeiture: 5 years
- Deferred plea dismissal (HRS 853): 1 year
- Certain deferred pleas (HRS 712-1200): 4 years
- Processing time once filed: About 120 days
Locate every copy of your mugshot online
Hawaii arrest records are commonly scraped and republished across multiple commercial aggregators.
Send a direct removal request to each publisher
Without a state mandate to lean on, a documented direct request is your starting point, not a guarantee.
Pursue search-engine de-indexing where a site won't cooperate
This is typically the more effective lever in Hawaii given the absence of a state removal law.
Pursue expungement under HRS § 831-3.2 where eligible
Clearing your record doesn't force a site to remove an already-published photo, but strengthens your position going forward.
We handle removal cases in Hawaii the same way we handle every case: locating every copy of your mugshot online, filing takedown requests within 72 hours, pursuing search-engine de-indexing where publishers won't cooperate, and monitoring afterward for reappearances. Every case starts with a free analysis, backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.
State law affects your legal options, but it doesn't determine which website is publishing your mugshot. See our site-by-site removal directory for site-specific removal steps once you know where your listing is.
This page is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws summarized here are current as of publication but change frequently — consult a licensed attorney in your state before relying on them for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hawaii have a mugshot removal law?
No. A bill addressing this (HB 529) was introduced but did not pass — Hawaii doesn't currently have a statute requiring commercial mugshot sites to remove a photo on request.
How long does Hawaii expungement take?
Processing typically takes about 120 days once your application is filed, with a $35 fee for a first application ($50 for subsequent ones).
Will expungement remove my mugshot from a website?
Not automatically. Expungement restricts access to your official record; a mugshot site that already published your photo has no separate legal obligation to remove it.
How long does mugshot removal take in Hawaii?
Without a state law setting a deadline, timelines depend on the specific publisher. We typically file takedown requests within 72 hours and pursue de-indexing within about 5-7 days.
Get Your Hawaii Mugshot Removed
Start with a free analysis — we'll confirm exactly what removal takes under your state's laws.