Hawaiʻi Judiciary launches new online bail payment portal, expanding access and streamlining court services

Hawaiʻi Judiciary launched a new online bail payment portal designed to expand access to bail payment services by allowing the public to post bail online on weekends when courts are closed and in-person bail payments unavailable.

The portal is now available for eligible Oʻahu 1st Circuit cases from noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Eligible cases during the initial rollout include 1st Circuit District Court criminal cases and criminal traffic cases in which the defendant is in custody at Oʻahu Community Correctional Center with bail set in amounts up to $10,000 per case.

Online bail can be posted only in cases in which the defendant already appeared in court and a judge set the bail amount. It is not available for new arrests.

The portal accepts Visa and Mastercard debit or credit cards.

“True access to justice means ensuring that our courts are accessible whenever justice requires them to be,” said Chief Justice Vladimir Devens. “By launching this portal, we are removing barriers that can keep individuals in custody longer than necessary due to the inability to post bail outside normal business hours.”

Devens added that this is a meaningful example of how innovation can improve delivery of court services to the public, protect fundamental rights and ensure that justice remains accessible.

Key features of the new online bail payment portal

• Eligible cases: 1st Circuit District Court criminal cases and criminal traffic cases with bail amounts up to $10,000 per case.
• Weekend availability: Post bail from any location with internet access from noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, excluding holidays and other scheduled maintenance system downtimes.
• Secure transactions: Initial launch supports payments with Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards.

“Our priority with this project is to leverage modern technology to simplify a complex, time-sensitive process for families during critical moments,” said Judiciary Innovations Officer Angela Min. “By offering a streamlined online solution, we can improve weekend processing timelines and help ensure a smooth, timely discharge for eligible individuals.”

Plans are underway to expand the new online bail payment service statewide.

Click here for additional information, frequently asked questions and more about the new online bail payment portal.