The process to get a background check in Hawaii is completed for a wide variety of reasons and during different procedures. Most commonly, employers conduct HI background searches prior to engaging the services of new workers. Individuals are also able to obtain their own background report in HI.

Different types of background check services can be utilized, depending on the current needs of the requestor. Standard searches, such as requesting an individual’s financial or driving history can generally be requested via the internet. Hawaii criminal history checks are available to the public as well, as criminal history records are considered public information within the state.


How to Get a Hawaii Background Check

Getting a background check in Hawaii is a procedure that can be completed via the following methods: online, in person and by mail. Depending on the type of background screening ordered, the process may vary in certain regards and you may be limited only to certain application approaches.

Note that even though applicants may be able to obtain an HI background report with a paper application, the faster option is to submit an online request.

Ordering a Hawaii Background Check Online

To successfully order a Hawaii background check online, requestors will have to supply several types of information about the holder of the record. Applicants can also order criminal record searches via the internet, in addition to professional and financial history checks. The criminal report will contain data maintained by the HI Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC).

Regardless of the type of background lookup that is ordered, requestors will generally be required to submit:

  • The subject’s full name and gender.
  • The subject’s date of birth.
  • The subject’s Social Security Number.

Note: Based on the type of requested HI background screening, the amount of payable fees will vary. Full background checks generally cost more.

Ordering a Hawaii Background Check in Person and by Mail

Hawaii police background checks can also be obtained by submitting a written application to the Criminal History Record Checks Unit of the HCJDC in person or by mail.

In addition to the request for an HI criminal history check, applicants will be required to submit the record holder’s fingerprint cards (if ordering a fingerprint-based search), as well as payment for the fees. To submit your request in person, visit one of the HCJDC’s Public Access Sites. Mailed-in orders must be sent to the address of the CHRC Unit in Honolulu.

Note: To obtain a notarized and/or certified copy of the results, requestors will have to pay an additional fee.

Who needs a Hawaii background check?

A background search in Hawaii can be ordered for any state resident by both individual applicants and organizations. The most common applicants for Hawaii background investigations include licensing agencies and private and government employers.

Adoption agencies and firearm dealers are other less common requestors. Note that the necessity for HI background lookups is not limited to the examples mentioned above, and an investigation may be required in other instances as well.

Renters

Hawaii rental background checks often help landlords decide on whether or not to offer their housing unit to a certain applicant tenant. By ordering a full background check online, property owners can review the criminal, financial and personal history of potential tenants.

Landlords can then use this data to negotiate the best rental terms, as they will be able to review any inconsistencies in the tenant’s past that might be a cause for concern.

Employees

Conducting employee background checks in Hawaii is often an important step in the process of hiring new workers. Employers will either order an HI full background check or a more specific investigation, depending on the job requirements.

For instance, applicants for a basic driver position will generally be required to submit only their driving record. Job seekers who can present a clean background report in HI are more likely to secure the employment vacancy.

EMS/First Responders

Requesting an EMS background screening in Hawaii is a procedure that is completed when hospitals and other healthcare facilities hire medical first responders. Some of the responsibilities of EMS workers include caring for critically injured patients during potentially stressful events.

A clean background report in HI is often a necessity prior to engaging the services of medical staff, due to the significance of the job.

Caregivers

Complete background checks in Hawaii are also necessary when entrusting the care of a family member to a caregiver. By ordering a full background check in HI via the internet, employers can check the qualifications of the applicant, as well as his or her financial and criminal history. This information will help them decide on the most adequate caretaker for their circumstances.

Managers

Businesses will often order an employment history check in Hawaii when assessing potential applicants for a managerial position. Managers will be required to pass a stricter screening process, since they are expected to lead by example. A complete background screening in HI will help the hiring staff eliminate candidates that are unfit for a management position.

When You Will Need a Background Check

Hawaii background reports are often a requirement for different types of procedures. Individuals can, however, order their own background verification for no other purpose than to review it and assess its correctness. You may also be requested to undergo a personal background check in HI when you are:

  • Seeking a job with a private employer or a federal agency.
  • Applying for a permit to acquire a firearm.
  • Initiating a child adoption process.

Note: Certain types of HI background checks may also be required to complete several DMV transactions through the local driver licensing office.

The Difference Between Standard and Criminal Background Checks

Requestors can order different types of Hawaii background checks, depending on their needs. Standard investigations will only review a certain aspect of an individual’s past, such as his or her driving history, professional and educational credentials and credit score.

Criminal background checks, on the other hand, will provide information about the subject’s arrest records which have resulted in a verdict of guilty. Note that pending arrest records and non-convictions are not available to the public.

The information contained in a HI criminal record search may differ based on whether or not the subject’s fingerprint cards have been submitted as well. Fingerprint-based investigations are generally more reliable.

Last updated on Thursday, October 15 2020.