Expungement in Hawaii
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Hawaii allows expungement of most convictions after a waiting period, but some felonies require longer delays.
How Hawaii treats Expungement
Hawaii permits expungement of felony and misdemeanor convictions under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 831-3.2. The waiting period is typically five years from sentence completion for felonies and two years for misdemeanors, though certain offenses like drug crimes may qualify sooner. Violent felonies and sex offenses face stricter restrictions. Once expunged, you may legally answer that you were not arrested or convicted, with limited exceptions for government employment and professional licensing.
The general definition of Expungement
A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.
Expungement allows you to have a criminal conviction removed from your official record, as if it never happened. Once expunged, you can legally say you were never convicted of that crime in most situations. Not all convictions qualify—eligibility depends on the crime, how much time has passed, and your state's laws. This gives people a fresh start and removes barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Read the full Expungement entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Hawaii.