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Permits for a Food Truck in Hilo, Hawaii

A food truck in Hilo, Hawaii needs 8 permits including city/county business license, unemployment insurance registration, workers' compensation insurance, and more. Each has specific costs, deadlines, and renewal requirements.

We found 8 permits you’ll likely need. Costs, deadlines, and direct .gov links included.

8 permits found

For a Food Truck in Hilo, HI

Business License (1)Employment (2)Health & Safety (3)Tax (2)

Business License

City/County Business License
County Finance Department·HI (state-level)
Business License

Businesses operating in Hawaii counties may need a county-level business license in addition to state GET registration. Honolulu requires a business license for certain activities. Requirements vary by county.

$0 - $2 (varies by county)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~7 days
Operating without required county licenses may result in fines and penalties. ($1 - $5)
Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Employment

Unemployment Insurance Registration
Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations·HI (state-level)
Employment

Hawaii employers must register with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) and pay state unemployment insurance tax. New employer rate is approximately 2.4% on the first $56,700 in wages per employee. Registration through the DLIR Employer Services portal.

$0 - $0 (Registration is free. New employer rate ~2.4% on first $56,700 per employee.)
Renewal: One-time
Processing: ~14 days
Failure to register or pay UI tax may result in penalties and interest on unpaid amounts. ($1 - $50)
Apply Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Disability Compensation Division·HI (state-level)
Employment

Hawaii requires workers' compensation insurance for virtually all employers, including those with only one employee. Must be obtained from a licensed insurance carrier, the Hawaii Employers' Mutual Insurance Company (HEMIC), or through self-insurance. Also requires Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) coverage. Regulated by the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

$5 - $50 (Annual premium varies by classification and payroll. Hawaii premiums tend to be higher than mainland average.)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~7 days
Operating without workers' compensation is a misdemeanor. Penalties include fines, imprisonment, and the employer is liable for all claim costs. DLIR may issue stop-work orders. ($10 - $500)
Apply Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Health & Safety

Food Establishment Permit
Hawaii Department of Health, Sanitation Branch·HI (state-level)
Health & Safety

Required for any establishment preparing, serving, or selling food in Hawaii. Issued by the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH), Sanitation Branch. Covers food safety, sanitation, and facility standards under Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 11, Chapter 50.

$2 - $8 (varies by establishment type)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~30 days
Operating without a valid food establishment permit subjects the facility to closure orders and fines from the DOH. ($3 - $50)
Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Food Handler Certification
County Health Departments / ANSI-Accredited Providers·HI (state-level)
Health & Safety

Hawaii requires food establishment employees to obtain food handler training. County health departments enforce requirements.

$0 - $2 (handler card $10-$15; manager certification $80-$175)
Renewal: Varies
Processing: ~1 days
Establishments without certified food safety personnel face health inspection violations and potential permit suspension. ($1 - $10)
Apply Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Mobile Food Unit Permit
County Health Department·HI (state-level)
Health & Safety

Required for operating a mobile food unit (food truck, cart, or trailer) in Hawaii. Issued by county or city health departments after plan review and inspection.

$1 - $10 (varies by county/city and food preparation type)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~30 days
Operating a food truck without required permits can result in fines, confiscation of goods, and forced closure. ($3 - $50)
Apply Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Tax

General Excise Tax (GET) License
Hawaii Department of Taxation·HI (state-level)
Tax

Hawaii imposes a General Excise Tax (GET) on all business activity. The GET rate is 4% for most activities (4.5% in Honolulu with county surcharge). Registration is through the Hawaii Department of Taxation. This is not a sales tax — it is imposed on the business, not the customer, though most businesses pass it through.

$0 - $0 (one-time registration fee $20; GET rate 4% (4.5% in Honolulu))
Renewal: One-time
Processing: ~7 days
Failure to register or file GET returns results in penalties of 5% per month (up to 25%) plus interest at 2/3 of 1% per month. ($0 - $100)
Apply Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Hawaii Withholding Tax Registration
Hawaii Department of Revenue / Taxation·HI (state-level)
Tax

Employers in Hawaii must register to withhold state income tax from employee wages. Registration required before first payroll.

$0 - $0 (no registration fee)
Renewal: One-time
Processing: ~14 days
Failure to register for withholding can result in penalties and interest on unpaid taxes. ($1 - $50)
Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Don't forget these deadlines

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From $12/month

Total penalty exposure

$18 – $815

if you skip or miss these permits

Based on published penalty schedules. Your actual fines may differ depending on your city or county.

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Austin, TX

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Verified by PermitDue — as of March 15, 2026
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