Hawaii Pardon/Expungement Process

The state of Hawaii offers a governors pardon, with no eligibility requirements for applicants. The governor, by policy, will seek the recommendation of the Hawaii state paroling authority. There is no statutory process regarding pardon applications. According to the pardons administrator of the paroling authority, there is a formal investigation process to be conducted, including a face-to-face interview with the applicant. The attorney general’s office then conducts its own investigation. The entire process takes about eight months from the time the application is submitted.

There is expungement available for persons with no prior felony convictions, and for nonviolent first-time offender probationers.  The defendant must successfully complete probation, at which time the charges will be dismissed without adjudication of guilt. One year after discharge and dismissal, an expungement may be requested.

An application is attached along with instructions. Two people with personal connection to the applicant must fill out the character affidavits. The affidavits must be signed before a notary public.

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