Hawaii State Resource Center

The Attorney General is the chief legal officer and chief law enforcement officer of the State of Hawaii. The Attorney General (1) appears for the State in civil and criminal cases when the State is a party; (2) investigates violations of state laws, and initiates civil and criminal actions to enforce the laws or prosecute persons who violate them; (3) prepares legal opinions for the Governor, the Legislature, and the heads of state departments; (4) advises state officials on legal matters so that they may faithfully execute their duties and responsibilities; and (5) defends and represents state officials and employees when they are sued for actions they have taken or are about to take in connection with their state positions.

As a community service, the State of Hawaii is making an effort to bring as many forms as possible to the public. This site provides links to downloadable forms for many of the state offices.

The Governor is the chief executive of the State of Hawai&i and ensures that all laws of the state are executed. The Governor is in charge of most state agencies, establishes goals of the state and outlines ways to reach those goals.

The Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii, concurrently the Secretary of State of Hawaii, is the assistant chief executive of that U.S. state and its various agencies and departments. The lieutenant governor becomes acting governor upon the absence of the governor from the state, or if the governor becomes disabled from duty. In his or her capacity as Secretary of State of Hawaii, the lieutenant governor is the chief elections officer.

Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states (August 21, 1959), and is the only state made up entirely of islands. Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty, warm tropical climate, inviting waters and waves, and active volcanoes make it a popular destination for tourists, surfers, biologists, and volcanologists alike.

The Hawaii State Legislature is a bicameral body consisting of a lower house, the House of Representatives with 51 representatives, and an upper house, the 25-member Senate. There are a total of 76 representatives in the legislature, each representing single member districts across the islands. The powers of the legislature are granted under Article III of the Hawaii Constitution.

The Legislative Reference Bureau assists the Hawaii State Legislature by providing impartial research, consultation, and document drafting services, maintaining a research library, statutes revision and publication, operating a computerized legislative information system, and providing resources to enhance public participation in the legislative process.

The Library serves the Legislature and the legislative service agencies by providing essential information resources and information services which support the legislative process.

The Hawaii State Ombudsman independently and impartially investigates complaints against state and county agencies and employees. The Office has the power to obtain necessary information for an investigation and to recommend corrective action if a complaint is found to be substantiated. The Ombudsman serves as a neutral, independent intermediary between the citizen and the agency. They do not provide legal advice, nor do they serve as legal counsel, advocate, or representative on behalf of any person or agency.

Web site for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Hawaii. Provides links to bankruptcy forms, local rules and district guidelines, opinions, and reference materials.

These court rules are posted for the Hawaii Supreme Court by the Supreme Court Law Library. This site provides links to the rules of all the Hawaii courts.

Hawaii's judicial branch is a unified state court system that functions under one administrative head, the Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court. The Judiciary is responsible for administering justice in an impartial, efficient and accessible manner according to the law. The Judiciary consists of: the Supreme Court; Intermediate Court of Appeals; Land Court; Tax Appeal Court; Circuit Courts; Family Courts; District Courts; and the Office of the Administrative Director of the Courts.

The Department of Accounting and General Services, commonly known as DAGS, is headed by the State Comptroller, who concurrently serves as the director of DAGS. The department is responsible for managing and supervising a wide range of State programs and activities.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s (HDOA) 300 employees statewide work to support, enhance and promote Hawaii’s agriculture and aquaculture industries.

The Department of Budget and Finance, headed by the Director of Finance, administers the State budget, develops near- and long-term financial plans and strategies for the State, and provides programs for the improvement of management and financial management of State agencies.

The Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) is Hawaii's resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages. DBEDT provides the economic and statistical expertise that guides State economic development efforts. It generates important information for business and industry about their markets and the economic forces shaping the future. DBEDT, through its Research & Economic Analysis Division (READ), also runs the State's visitor statistics program, which develops and distributes information on the roughly 7 million tourist and business visitors who come to the islands annually.

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) regulates business fairly and reasonably, while protecting consumers from fraud and unfair business practices. DCCA has 13 Sections. Their major services are: registration and licensing; examination for financial health and soundness; complaint processing; and consumer protection and education.

Hawaii's Department of Defense (DOD) includes Hawaii's Army National Guard; Air National Guard, State Civil Defense, Office of Veran Services, and Youth Challenge Academy.

The Hawaii Department of Education, in partnership with the family and the community, is committed to having all public school graduates achieve the General Learner Outcomes and content and performance standards in order to realize their individual goals and aspirations.

The legal basis for the establishment of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) is the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. The HHCA provides for the rehabilitation of the native Hawaiian people through a government-sponsored homesteading program. Native Hawaiians are defined as individuals having at least 50 percent Hawaiian blood. Other benefits provided by the HHCA include financial assistance through direct loans or loan guarantees for home construction, replacement, or repair, and for the development of farms and ranches; technical assistance to farmers and ranchers; and the operation of water systems.

The mission of the Department of Health (DOH) is to protect and improve the health and environment for all people in Hawaii. DOH's goals are to promote health and well-being; prevent disease and injury; promote healthy lifestyles and workplaces; and promote the strength and integrity of families and communities.

The Department of Human Resources Development (DHRD) provides timely and responsive leadership, resources, and services to fully support the State in the recruitment, management, and retention of a high-performing workforce.

The Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) looks after the State's most vulnerable residents. To serve their well-being, DHS operates several divisions. The Social Services Division runs the Adult Protective Services unit and provides a variety of other related services. The Benefit, Employment, and Support Services Division provides assistance to needy families, food stamps, and employment training, among other services. Included in the services are Medicaid and the state's Children's Health Insurance Program.

The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) is responsible for ensuring and increasing the economic security, well-being, and productivity of Hawaii’s workers. DLIR promotes access to employment and strives to alleviate the economic hardship of workers during periods of disability or temporary unemployment; and protect the employment rights of workers and assure a safe and healthy workplace.

The mission of the Department of Land and Natural Resources is to enhance, protect, conserve and manage Hawaii’s unique and limited natural, cultural and historic resources held in public trust for current and future generations of visitors and the people of Hawaii in partnership with others from the public and private sectors.

The mission of the Department of Public Safety (PSD) is to provide for the safety of the public and state facilities through law enforcement and correctional management. PSD's divisions include: the Administration Division; the Corrections Division (which includes jails and prisons); and the Law Enforcement Division (which includes the Narcotics Enforcement and Sheriff Divisions).

The mission of the Department of Taxation (DoTAX) is to administer the tax laws for the State of Hawaii in a consistent, uniform, and fair manner.

Department of Transportation is responsible to plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain State facilities in all modes of transportation, including air, water, and land. Coordination with other State, County, and Federal programs is maintained in order to achieve the objective.

The Division of Forestry & Wildlife is responsible for the management of State-owned forests, natural areas, public hunting areas, and plant and wildlife sanctuaries. Program areas cover watershed protection; native resources protection, including unique ecosystems and endangered species of plants and wildlife; outdoor recreation; and commercial forestry. The Division also issues hunting permits.

The Division of State Parks manages and administers 52 state parks encompassing nearly 25,000 acres on the 5 major islands. These parks offer varied outdoor recreation and heritage opportunities. The park environments range from landscaped grounds with developed facilities to wildland areas with trails and primitive facilities. The Division also issues camping permits.

The Executive Office on Aging (EOA) is the designated lead agency in the coordination of a statewide system of aging and caregiver support services in the State of Hawaii. The federal Older Americans Act establishes an Aging Network and provides federal funding for elderly support services, nutrition services, preventive health services, elder rights protection, and family caregiver support services. Chapter 349 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes establishes the Executive Office on Aging as the focal point for all matters relating to older adults' needs and the coordination and development of caregiver support services within the State of Hawaii.

The Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) helps provide Hawaii residents with affordable housing and shelter without discrimination. HPHA efforts focus on developing affordable rental and supportive housing, public housing and the efficient and fair delivery of housing services to the people of Hawaii.

Leading the State in prevention, protection, and rapid assistance during disasters with a full range of resources and effective partnerships.

The Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) was established to facilitate and provide direction for the transition of Hawaii's agriculture industry from a dominance of sugar and pineapple to one composed of a diversity of different crops. The mission of the ADC is to acquire, and manage in partnership with farmers, ranchers, and aquaculture groups, selected high-value lands, water systems, and infrastructure for commercial agricultural use and to direct research into areas that will lead to the development of new crops, markets, and lower production costs.

The High Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) offers a wide variety of business development programs and services to support Hawaii's growing technology industry. HTDC offers its programs and services statewide, providing assistance and resources to Hawaii's tech industry entrepreneurs, start-up companies, employers, jobseekers and more.

The Office provides links to information and topics about elections in Hawaii.

Under the direction of nine trustees elected statewide, OHA has functioned operationally as both a government agency with a strong degree of autonomy, and as a trust. OHA has a broad mandate. Its purpose is to provide the opportunity for a better life and future for all Hawaiians. The mix of trust funds, earmarked for Hawaiians of at least 50 percent blood quantum, and general funds, provided annually by the Legislature, allows OHA to serve Hawaiians of any blood quantum.

The Office of Information Practices ("OIP") administers Hawaii's open records law, the Uniform Information Practices Act (Modified), chapter 92F, Hawaii Revised Statutes ("UIPA"). OIP also advises, and accepts complaints, regarding Part I of chapter 92, Hawaii Revised Statutes (open meetings or "Sunshine Law").

The Library's mission is to provide Hawaii's residents, in all walks of life, and at each stage of their lives, with access to education, information, programs and services, and to teach and nurture the love of reading and the habit of life-long learning.

The Commission provides public access to all candidate committee and noncandidate committee contribution and expenditure reports on its website, provides training and guidebooks, enforces the campaign finance laws and rules, and administers the partial public financing program.

By law the Civil Rights Commission (HCRC) may hold hearings and make inquiries, as it deems necessary, and has the authority to administer oaths and affirmations, conduct depositions, compel the attendance of parties and witnesses and the production of documents by the issuance of subpoenas, examine parties and witnesses under oath, require answers to interrogatories, and delegate these powers to any member of the commission or any person appointed by the commission for the performance of its functions in the protection of civil rights.

Hawaii State Commission on Status of Women (HSCSW) works for equality for women and girls in the state by acting as a catalyst for positive change through advocacy, education, collaboration and program development.

The mission of the Foundation (HSFCA) is to promote, perpetuate, preserve and encourage culture and the arts, history and the humanities as central to the quality of life of the people of Hawaii. Funding for HSFCAis provided by the State of Hawaii and the National Endowment for the Arts. The HSFCA is administratively attached to the Department of Accounting and General Services.

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regulates all franchised or certificated public service companies operating in the State; prescribes rates, tariffs, charges and fees; determines the allowable rate of earnings in establishing rates; issues guidelines concerning the general management of franchised or certificated utility businesses; and acts on requests for the acquisition, sale, disposition or other exchange of utility properties, including mergers and consolidations.

The Commission’s duties include issuing advisory opinions, investigating and considering charges of alleged violations of the ethics and lobbying laws, and educating state government officials and employees and the citizenry on matters relating to ethics in government.