Hawaii Notary Public Practice Exam 2025 - Free Notary Public Practice Questions and Study Guide

A Notary Public in Hawaii can refuse to perform a notarization if they believe that the signer is not competent or if the document is against public policy. This is crucial to maintain the integrity of the notarization process. Competency involves ensuring that the signer has the mental capacity to understand the transaction or document they are signing. If a Notary feels that the individual is unable to comprehend the nature of the document or the implications of their signature due to mental incapacity, they are ethically and legally obligated to refuse the notarization.

Furthermore, if a Notary suspects that the document may be against public policy—meaning that it could promote illegal activities or violate legal statutes—they are required to abstain from notarizing it. Public policy serves to protect society and the legal system, and involvement in a transaction that contravenes it could result in legal liabilities for the Notary.

These considerations ensure that Notaries uphold the law and the integrity of their duties, thereby safeguarding both the signers and the public. Other options, like personal dislike for the signer or merely having a personal conflict, do not provide valid legal grounds for refusal, as Notaries must act impartially and professionally regarding their duties.