Are Notaries Public in Hawaii allowed to give legal advice?

In Hawaii, Notaries Public are explicitly restricted from providing legal advice beyond the scope of their notarization duties. This is rooted in the idea that a Notary's primary role is to act as an impartial witness to the signing of documents and to verify the identity of signers, rather than to offer legal counsel. Engaging in the practice of law requires specific qualifications and licensure, which Notaries do not possess.

The boundaries of what constitutes notarial duties are well-defined, and helping individuals navigate legal questions or providing interpretations of legal documents falls outside those duties. This ensures that Notaries maintain ethical standards and do not mislead signers into believing they are receiving professional legal guidance when they are not.

In essence, option B aligns with the professional guidelines that govern Notary practices, solidifying the Notary's role as a facilitator of the signing process while abstaining from any influence or guidance on the legal aspect of the documents being notarized.