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In the past, if you wanted to retrieve criminal records in Hawaii, you had to walk into the appropriate state office, fill out forms, and be granted access to a special computer station. This is all changing. Two online databases now allow anyone to access information about Hawaii’s criminal convictions, from murder to speeding tickets. The criminal record databases allow anyone to search for criminal records by social security number, name, birthday, or gender. While some feel this easier access will allow residents to obtain important information, many believe this is an outrageous invasion of privacy rights.

One online database is run by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center in conjunction with the attorney general’s office for the state. There is no fee to view this site, but it does cost about $13 to print a certified copy of any records. The second site is a traffic violation database officially named the Judiciary Information Management System. In addition to supplying information about criminal conviction records, it will also track compliance with court judgments and outstanding payments.

Proponents of this increased access to criminal records say that these databases will simplify the work of attorneys, court officials, and law enforcement. These sites will allow more efficient management of criminal cases. It will not force the public to have to go to an office and stand in line to gain this information. These databases may also help citizens to know if they need to appear in court, have any outstanding traffic tickets, or need to handle other traffic violation matters.

Critics of these criminal record databases say they may cause more harm than benefit. These sites can be easily accessed by nosy neighbors and others with no need for this information. Experts argue that this online access further erodes the limited rights to privacy for convicted offenders. Sociologists in Hawaii are concerned about the effects on criminal rehabilitation. When looking at the bigger picture, says David Johnson of the University of Hawaii, “those policies reflect a stunning lack of interest in helping offenders rehabilitate and reintegrate. After some reasonable period of time, shouldn’t the punishment and control stop?”

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