Preservation Fee & Refund Information

Preservation Fee Information

In 2013, a state law (Act 88, SLH 2013) was enacted that established a fund for the preservation and long-term access of government records. The Act provides that “in addition to any other fee authorized by law, a State Archives preservation fee of $1 shall be assessed for each document that is filed or registered by members of the public with a governmental entity and listed on an authorized records retention and disposition schedule as permanent.” The state agency that receives the document collects the $1 fee on behalf of the State Archives.

Refund Policy for the $1.00 Records Preservation Fee
Paid to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Fund revenues will be used to preserve and support long-term access to government electronic records through the State Archives. If you filed certain documents with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Business Registration Division (BREG) and were assessed the $1 preservation fee, and BREG did not accept your document or any resubmittals, you are entitled to a refund of the $1 fee.

To receive a refund of the $1 preservation fee you must present either in person or by mail:

  1. a record of payment (receipt) and
  2. a copy of the rejection letter sent to you from the Business Registration Division, Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Submit request to: Hawaii State Archives, 364 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813

Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, except state holidays.

Please note: Refund checks will be made payable to the addressee on the rejection letter and mailed to the address on the rejection letter unless pickup arrangements are made.

Click to view a Sample Receipt or a Sample Rejection Letter.