Licensing Guides
State Contractor License: How to Become a General Contractor in Hawaii
Contractor, HI
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Hawaii?
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Hawaii?
Types of General Contractor Licenses in Hawaii
What Are the Requirements of a Hawaii Contractor License?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Hawaii?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Hawaii?
Hawaii Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
Does Hawaii Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Hawaii?
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Hawaii?
We all need a place to live and work, and those buildings require upkeep and repair. They’re often the biggest investments we make in our lives and keeping them in good condition is essential. We count on professionals to know how to fix damage to or wear and tear on our homes and businesses. General contractors are typically the experts we rely on to help us with these repairs, and we need these people to know what they’re doing.
Many states require contractors to be licensed. Others simply require solid insurance to back up the essential work they perform. There are 520,900 construction managers and 1,599,800 construction laborers and helpers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Hawaii employs 2,800 managers and 4,750 laborers and helpers. The national number for managers is projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033 and 8% for laborers and helpers. If you’re thinking about becoming a contractor or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started.
Why Do You Need a Contractor License in Hawaii?
A contractor license is necessary to perform most work in Hawaii. Specifically, you need a contractor license to do work valuing more than $1,000 in labor and materials. Licensing is overseen by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional & Vocational Licensing Division.
How Can You Get a Contractor License in Hawaii?
Application forms and instructions for filing are available on the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional & Vocational Licensing Division’s website. You may apply either as a sole proprietor or as an entity. If applying as an entity, you must also complete the responsible managing employee (RME) application.
An applicant must verify four years of supervisory experience in the license classification for which they are applying. In addition, applicants are required to pass an exam and have general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance (if they have employees), and a bond.
A $50 application fee applies.
Types of General Contractor Licenses in Hawaii
Hawaii offers three contractor license types. They are:
General Engineering Contractor: Required for fixed-works projects such as highways, tunnels, bridges, harbors, drainage, and water power.
General Building Contractor: Construction of residential, commercial, or industrial structures involving more than two unrelated building trades.
Specialty Contractor: Contractors who specialize in a specific skill. This includes drywall contractors, masonry contractors, electrical contractors, excavating contractors, and plumbing contractors.
A General Building Contractor, the license the majority of general contractors need, automatically holds the following specialty categories:
C-5 Cabinetry, millwork, and carpentry remodeling and repairs
C-6 Carpentry framing
C-10 Scaffolding
C-12 Drywall
C-24 Building moving and wrecking
C-25 Institutional and commercial equipment
C-31a Cement concrete
C-32a Wood and vinyl fencing
C-42a Aluminum and other metal shingles
C-42b Wood shingles and wood shake
Overall, the law requires that you be a licensed contractor or be working under a licensed contractor to do any residential or commercial projects, including initial construction projects or service or replacement/renovations to existing structures.
Getting a general contractor license
The process to obtaining licensure in Hawaii includes:
MEET EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: You need four years of experience in the license classification you want to obtain.
SUBMIT CONTRACTOR LICENSE APPLICATION: Fill out the application and submit it on or before the first Tuesday of the month prior to the scheduled Contractors License Board meeting date. If applying as a corporation, partnership, joint venture, LLC, or LLP, you need a principal responsible managing employee (RME). The RME must file a separate application form if not already licensed. Entities must also be properly registered with the Business Registration Division (BREG), Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Submit the following required items with your application:
$50 non-refundable application fee
Current reviewed or audited financial statement accompanied by an independent accountant's report
Current and complete credit report for each officer, partner, manager, or member, covering at least the previous five years
Current Hawaii State Tax Clearance (issued not more than 6 months old) with an original State Department of Taxation stamp
Filed-stamped copy of current trade name registration approved by the Business Registration Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
For entities: BREG Certificate of Good Standing, or file-stamped copy of BREG certificate if entity has been registered for less than a year
Responsible Managing Employee application if RME is not yet licensed
Mail the completed application, proper fee amount, and required documents to Contractors License Board DCCA, PVL Licensing Branch, P.O. Box 3469, Honolulu, HI 96801. Or, deliver in person at 335 Merchant St., Room 301, Honolulu, HI 96813.
PASS EXAMS: If the Board approves the license application, you or your RME must take and pass the Contractor Business and Law ($80 examination fee) and Trade exam (B General Building Contractor - $85 fee). Applicants will receive an examination approval letter, which will include information on how to register for the examination directly with PSI and the date that the examinations must be passed by.
SUBMIT LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: After passing the examination, submit the following license requirements to the Board:
If you have employees: certificate of workers' compensation insurance from an insurance company authorized to do business in Hawaii, along with a statement from the insurance carrier that the Board will be notified of any withdrawal, termination, or cancellation of the insurance.
Certificate of general liability insurance with a bodily injury liability amount of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence, and a property damage coverage amount of $50,000 per occurrence.
Hawaii business address. A licensed contractor needs a definite place of business where the licensee may be served notice and legal process. Post Office Box number is not accepted as a place of business.
Contracting entity and sole proprietor: license fee of $633 if licensed between Oct. 1 of an even-numbered year and Sept. 30 of an odd-numbered year, or $494 outside of that timeframe. RME: License fee of $438 if licensed between Oct. 1 of an even-numbered year and Sept. 30 of an odd-numbered year, or $334 outside of that timeframe.
Once all requirements are met, the Board will issue a license. If applying as a General Engineering Contractor or Specialty Contractor, the licensing process is roughly the same.
You can also consult our guides to getting your HVAC license, plumber license, or electrician license in Hawaii.
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What Are the Requirements of a Hawaii Contractor License?
The license requirements for a contractor in Hawaii are all intended to demonstrate that an individual who will be serving the public is properly prepared to do the job right. To that end, there are age, knowledge/experience, and financial prerequisites.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must have four years of supervisory experience in the license classification for which they are applying.
Demonstrate competency by passing licensing examinations.
Submit current reviewed or audited financial statements prepared by a licensed public accountant.
Provide a clean credit report covering at least the previous five years.
Obtain required insurance coverage (workers' compensation, general liability, and license bond).
Pay all fees.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor License in Hawaii?
It takes four years to meet the experience requirements to become a licensed contractor in Hawaii. There’s also the time it takes to complete the application process. The Board meetings typically take place on the first Monday of each month, and applications must be submitted on or before the first Tuesday of the month prior to be considered at the following meeting.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Contractor License in Hawaii?
The initial application fee is $50. The required exams cost $165 total. Once passed, the license fee is $633 if licensed between Oct. 1 of an even-numbered year and Sept. 30 of an odd-numbered year, or $494 if licensed outside of that timeframe. For an RME, the license fee of $438 if licensed between Oct. 1 of an even-numbered year and Sept. 30 of an odd-numbered year, or $334 if licensed outside of that timeframe.
The total maximum cost for an entity and its RME to receive the proper licensing is $1,342.
Hawaii Contractor License Training Programs and Schools
Certain technical training may be counted toward up to one year of the experience requirement to become a licensed general contractor in Hawaii. For technical training, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are many higher education options throughout The Aloha State that offer these types of programs. Hawaii higher education institutions that provide construction training include:
If you don’t attend any formal schooling or training, but want to learn on the job, you may want to consider an apprenticeship. Through an apprenticeship, you work, accumulate necessary experience, and can earn money all at the same time. The length of time to complete an apprenticeship depends on the trade and program. The State of Hawaii Department Of Labor and Industrial Relations maintains a list of apprenticeship programs.
Does Hawaii Reciprocate Contractor Licenses?
No, Hawaii does not offer reciprocity agreements with other states for contractor licenses. All applicants must meet the same licensing and examination requirements.
Do I Need to Renew my Contractor License in Hawaii?
Yes, All licenses expire on Sept. 30 of even-numbered years. Renewal applications are mailed to all current licensees before Aug. 15 of the even-numbered year. Licensees must submit their renewal application and all required documents and fees by Sept. 30.
Business entities and sole proprietors must submit a current tax clearance or a letter from the State Department of Taxation confirming a tax payment arrangement with their renewal application.
Verification of current liability and workers’ compensation insurance may be required if the insurance expires prior to Sept. 30. Responsible managing employees are not required to submit insurance information or a tax clearance (unless required to verify payment of past due taxes or liens).
The renewal fee is $353 for a contracting entity or sole proprietor and $208 for responsible managing employees.
Are There Any Penalties for Contracting Without a License in Hawaii?
Yes, the first offense is considered a misdemeanor and can result in fines of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment up to one year. Subsequent offense fines can go up to $10,000. Each day of unlicensed activity may be considered a separate offense.
National Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. There are many professional organizations that offer certification. These certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Some of the top construction certifications are:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety Certificate
Construction Management Association of America Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP) Certified Safety Manager (CSM) certification
National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER)
Continuing Education
There are no continuing education requirements for general contractor licenses in Hawaii. However, it’s important to stay informed about emerging technology in the industry.
Resources
You can stay up to date on contracting industry news several ways:
Check top blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your business.
Listen to top podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
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