KAHULUI, Hawaii — Residents and the media will soon have an easier time requesting and receiving public records for Maui County thanks to a new records management portal utilizing GovQA software.

According to the county’s Department of the Corporation Counsel, the online Uniform Information Practice Act records management portal will more efficiently process and handle requests for public records and information, such as electronic documents, videos and audio files.

“The UIPA Records Management Portal will allow county departments to leverage technology to simplify and enhance the UIPA process and marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to transparency and citizen engagement,” said Mimi Desjardins, first deputy corporation counsel, in a news release.

The new centralized and secure records request system will allow residents to track their UIPA requests online while standardizing employee workflow. Self-service tools and auto-follow functions will enable users to easily share information. The online form will also provide greater accuracy while reducing paperwork.

There was an unprecedented request for UIPA records following the August wildfires. The new portal will cover most departments that received a high volume of requests, such as fire, police, the Maui Emergency Management Agency, mayor’s office, as well as management, planning, public works, corporation counsel and water supply departments. The portal will include all departments in the future.

The departments are currently inputting open/pending UIPA requests into the portal, and starting Jan. 24, 2024, requesters will be able to make requests via the portal, according to the release.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.