Section 3-1-3 - Public records and information(a) The term "public records" as used in this section is defined as in Section 92-50, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and shall include all rules, regulations, written statements of policy or interpretation formulated, adopted or used by the department, all final opinions, rulings and orders and any other material on file for public inspection in the department unless accorded confidential treatment pursuant to law.(b) All public records shall be available for inspection in the department, during established office hours unless public inspection of such records is in violation of any state or federal law; provided that, except where such records are made available for inspection by rule of court, the attorney general may determine which records may be withheld from public inspection when such records pertain to the preparation or defense of any action or proceeding prior to its commencement, to which the State is or may be a party, or when such records do not relate to a matter in violation of law or their confidential treatment is necessary for the protection of the character, reputation or business of any person.(c) Public records printed or reproduced by the department shall be given to any person requesting the same and paying the cost including the cost of publication and mailing of reproduction, or in the case of a charge specified by law or by other regulation, such specified charges.(d) Requests for public information, for permission to inspect official records or for copies of public records shall be made in writing to the comptroller and shall be handled with due regard for the policies and procedures of the respective programs and the dispatch of other public duties.[Eff. MAR 30 1981] (Auth: HRS Sec. 26-38) (Imp: HRS Secs. 91-2, 92-50, 92-51)