Informal Opinion Letter Summary

Memo Decision 09-15

Laser Speed Detection Records

A member of the public asked whether the City and County of Honolulu Police Department (“HPD”) properly denied his request for various laser speed detection records, including training and user manuals, an inventory list of the models and serial numbers, calibration and certification cards issued by the manufacturer, and HPD’s Standard Operating Procedures.

OIP advised that the requester’s status as counsel in court cases involving traffic citations and his ability to seek discovery of records through the state courts does not affect his ability to independently gain access to government records under the UIPA. Accordingly, OIP concluded that HPD must disclose the requested records because the exception for records “that would not be discoverable in a judicial action” is limited to judicially recognized privileges and HPD had not asserted that the required records fell within any such privilege.

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