Hawaiian Registry Program

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Hawaiian Registry Program (HRP) handles Native Hawaiian ancestry verification. Once an individual’s Hawaiian ancestry is verified, OHA will issue a Hawaiian Registry card. HRP strives to verify Hawaiian ancestry through biological parentage regardless of blood quantum.

Confirmation of one’s Hawaiian ancestry is one of the eligibility requirements to apply for OHA loans and grants, and OHA-sponsored programs.

How to Register:

1. Collect and submit the required documents (photocopies are acceptable):
   • Birth certificate(s) for the applicant, parent, grandparent and so on as needed to reach a birth certificate that reflects Hawaiian ancestry.
   • State or government issued photo ID such as a driver license, state ID, or passport of the applicant. If a minor applicant does not have a photo ID, the photo ID of the parent or legal guardian who signed the Hawaiian Registry Form is required.
   • A picture of the applicant to be used on the Hawaiian Registry card. Pictures can be submitted as photographs or digital images.
   • Our new application process with require you to have scanned or digital copies of your necessary documents.
2. Fill out application form:
   • Fill out online form here. You will be asked to upload digital copies of your required documents.
   • Each applicant must complete and sign an application form: If applicant is a minor, a parent or legal guardian must sign the form. When a legal guardian signs the form, guardianship documents must be submitted.
   • If you cannot upload digital copies of your documents, please:
     • Call HRP at (808) 594-1835;
     • email at hireg@oha.org;

* When submitting documents, please ensure the entire document is visible, legible, and has not been tampered with. Incomplete, or unclear documents as well as those in poor condition cannot be used.

Obtaining Missing or Lost Documents

Birth Certificates

Hawaiʻi State Department of Health
1250 Punchbowl St., Rm. 103
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96813
Phone: 808-586-4533
Website: health.hawaii.gov/vitalrecords

For birth certificates from other states, contact the vital records office in the state where the birth took place.

Other Documents

Hawaiʻi State Archives
Kekauluohi Building – ʻIolani Palace Grounds
Phone: 808-586-0329
Website: ags.hawaii.gov/archives

Adoptions & Family Court Records

For adoptions that took place in Hawaiʻi, contact the Family Court Circuit where the adoption took place.

Hawaiʻi Island – Third Circuit
Hale Kaulike
777 Kīlauea Ave.
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: 808-961-7670

Kauaʻi – Fifth Circuit
Puʻuhonua Kaulike Building
3790 Kaʻana St.
Līhuʻe, HI 96766
Phone: 808-482-2350

Maui – Second Circuit
Hoapili Hale
2145 Main St.
Wailuku, HI 96793
Phone: 808-244-2770

Oʻahu – First Circuit
Kapolei Judiciary Complex
4675 Kapolei Parkway
Kapolei, HI 96707
Phone: 808-954-8145

The following are some documents that can be requested, they may be subject to fees:

• Letter of Non-Identifying Information of Racial Extraction of Biological Parents (LRE)
• Adoption Decree
• Pre-Adoption birth certificate

Generally, an LRE will be sufficient as it will report the adopted person’s biological ancestry and it is free to request. For more information visit the Hawaii Family Court website at: www.courts.state.hi.us/courts/family/family_courts

For adoptions that took place outside of Hawai‘i, contact the court where the adoption took place to inquire about obtaining adoption records.

Have Questions or Need Assistance?

Call HRP at (808) 594-1835
Email HRP at hireg@oha.org