Welcome to the website of the Office of Information Practices (OIP), which
promotes open and transparent government in Hawai`i.
For training tools and guides, go here.
OIP administers two open government laws:
(1) the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA),
HRS Chapter 92F, which requires open access to government records, and
(2) the Sunshine Law, part I of HRS Chapter
92, which requires open public meetings.
Both laws are intended to open up government processes to public scrutiny
and participation by requiring government business to be conducted as transparently
as possible, while balancing personal privacy rights guaranteed under the
Hawai`i State Constitution.
Through a free and informal process,
OIP provides uniform interpretation, advice, and training on these laws to
nearly all state and county agencies and boards and to the general public.
OIP renders advice and assistance on questions concerning the public’s
right to access to government records or meetings, without having to hire
attorneys or go to court.
To explain the open government laws’ requirements, OIP has training
tools and guides readily available on this website. Through OIP’s
attorney of the day service, members of the public or government agencies
can call (808) 586-1400 to receive, usually within 24 hours, general advice
to their open government inquiries. If further action is necessary, OIP may
conduct an investigation. OIP may also write formal
or informal opinions,
which are enforceable by the courts. OIP’s opinions, including a subject
matter index, can be
found on this website, along with the laws,
rules, various forms. Openline
newsletters, and other guidance. OIP’s
annual reports of its activities and findings are
also posted on this website and there are links to other open
government agencies around the world.
In addition to the UIPA and Sunshine Law, OIP administers the Records
Report System (RRS), which is a computerized database (without the actual
records) describing the more than 29,000 record titles of the various types
of government records maintained by state and county agencies that may be
available for public access.
In the What’s New section, OIP regularly
provides updates on its activities as well as open government news from around
the world. To receive OIP’s e-mailed updates, please e-mail oip@hawaii.gov
and write “ADD ME” in the subject line.
