Question: My wife and I have lived in Hawaii for years, but neither of us were born here and we’ve both been married more than once and lived all over. This whole Real ID thing is a hassle for people like us — life hasn’t been a straight line We don’t have our paperwork tied up in a bow. I don’t know where to begin to replace the documents we need.
Answer: Start with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics, online at 808ne.ws/nchs. This web page has information about obtaining vital records — birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates — from any U.S. state and several territories.
This online information clearinghouse is a boon to people like you, who need documents from outside Hawaii to obtain a federal Real ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID. (Hawaii applicants are required to verify their lawful U.S. presence, legal name, date of birth, Social Security number and that Hawaii is their principal residence.)
Q: After all these years, I accidentally put my Social Security card through the washing machine (along with everything else in my wallet, which I left in my pants pocket). My plastic credit cards seem fine, but the paper Social Security card is ruined. Can I call for a replacement, or must I go to the office? Will there be a fee?
A: No, you can’t call for a replacement, but you likely don’t have to make a personal visit, either. Hawaii has finally been added to the list of states where U.S. citizens age 18 and older can request a replacement Social Security card online. There is no fee.
To order online, you’ll have to create a “my Social Security” account and input your email address, Social Security number and U.S. mailing address. To get started, go to ssa.gov and click on “Sign In/Up” on the top, right-hand side of the web page.
With an account, you can manage certain tasks online, including requesting a replacement card.
To order one online, you must have a driver’s license or state-issued identification card from a participating state (which as of this week includes Hawaii). You’ll receive an exact duplicate; you can’t request a name change or any other change to your card.
If you’d prefer not to order online, you can request a replacement card by mail or in person at the Social Security office, but you’ll need to submit an application and supporting documents. You can find more information at 808ne.ws/moreinfo.
Q: What do I need to know to track whether an inmate is still in prison?
A: The person’s first and last name or their offender ID number. Then you can use a telephone and online system called the Hawaii Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification (SAVIN) Service to check the inmate’s status. Go to 808ne.ws/offsear or call 877-846-3444 (TTY service via 866-847-1298).
“Hawaii SAVIN offers victims and concerned citizens free, anonymous, and confidential access to timely information and notification 24-hours a day, 365 days a year on the custody and parole status of offenders under the jurisdiction of the state Of Hawaii’s Department of Public Safety,” its website says.
Mahalo
I would like to give a big mahalo to S. Harris of Manoa and her wonderful neighbor for returning our lost wallet. The neighbor found the wallet and asked S. Harris to find the owner, which she did. She saved us a lot of time and headaches because we did not have to get new cards and ID. It’s great to know that we still have trustworthy people in our islands. Much mahalo to two awesome people. Thank you so much. — H.S.
Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
