Can a Notary Public in Hawaii perform notarial acts for family members?

A Notary Public in Hawaii may perform notarial acts for family members, but it is advised to avoid conflicts of interest. This guideline exists to maintain the integrity and impartiality of the notarial process. By refraining from notarizing documents for family members, a Notary Public can prevent any potential perception of bias or favoritism, which could undermine the trust in their official capacity.

Notarization requires the notary to be an impartial witness, and transactions involving family members can complicate this role, leading to questions about the notary's objectivity. Therefore, while it is not strictly prohibited to notarize for relatives, the best practice is to avoid such situations unless absolutely necessary. This approach helps to uphold the ethical standards expected of notaries and fosters public confidence in their duties.