How To Estimate The Cost of Your Investigation
To accurately estimate the cost of an investigation in Hawaii consider the
following:

1) Typically one to two hours of investigative time is utilized in initial case discussions / e-mails
with the client and subsequent database searches and / or telephone calls relating to interviews if
applicable. Within that same initial one to two hours is the review of maps for anticipated visits to
addresses pertaining to the case, as well as checking county records pertaining to property
ownership and related inquiries. Such information obtained at the start of the case tends to confirm
or update addresses supplied by the client, as well as equip the investigator for the most favorable
results once the investigation has transitioned to the "field phase."

2) For cases occurring on the Windward or Hilo side of the Big Island, allow one to two hours of
travel per day of field investigative work. For a case occurring entirely within the Hilo area one hour
of travel is sufficient per day. For cases north of Hilo anticipate one to two hours of travel per day.

3) Investigative firms charge mileage for vehicle usage during a case. This is charged at the rate of
$.68 per mile. For cases in the Hilo area anticipate approximately $40 per day for mileage.

4) For cases located on the leeward side of the Big Island, or the Kailua-Kona area, anticipate
approximately five hours of round-trip travel, and 220 miles. Please be aware the Big Island does
not have any freeways and thus travel can be slow between one side of the island to the other. For
travel to the Kona area anticipate approximately $548 in travel time and mileage.

5) Budget approximately one to two hours per case for report preparation time and final
telephone calls  and follow-up database searches.


Sample Case in Hilo:

1.6 hours-Initial case discussions, e-mails, database searches
.5 hours-travel to case and 25 miles
1.4 hours-interviews on case / investigation
.5 hours-travel from Hilo and 25 miles
1.2 hours-report preparation and final briefings to client

Total: 5.20 hours at $78 per hour=$405.60
50 miles at $.68 per mile=$34.00
       Total:$439.60


Sample Case in Kailua-Kona:

1.6 hours-initial case discussions, e-mails, database searches
2.2 hours-travel to case and 110 miles
1.4 hours-interviews on case / investigation
2.2 hours-travel from Kailua-Kona and 110 miles
1.2 hours-report preparation and final briefings to client

Total: 8.60 hours at $78 per hour=$670.80
220 miles at $.68 per mile= $149.60
     Total:  $820.40



On Video Surveillance Cases:

Figure travel time and mileage expenses as in the above examples and add-in the number of hours
of actual on-site surveillance time. We typically conduct between one and three days of surveillance
as dictated by the client. In a typical case one day of surveillance in the Hilo area would cost
approximately $800 and one day of surveillance about the Kailua-Kona area would cost
approximately $1200. For further clarification or additional information regarding your budget for a
planned investigation call Russ Darling at (808) 960-8236. E-mail Russ at russ@aloha1.net  
REMEMBER: Good investigation does not cost....it pays!