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Permits for a Contractor in Kailua, Hawaii

A contractor in Kailua, Hawaii needs 6 permits including city/county business license, hawaii contractor license, unemployment insurance registration, and more. Each has specific costs, deadlines, and renewal requirements.

We found 6 permits you’ll likely need. Costs, deadlines, and direct .gov links included.

6 permits found

For a Contractor in Kailua, HI

Business License (2)Employment (2)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
Hawaii Contractor License
Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Contractors License Board·HI (state-level)
Business License

All contractors performing work in Hawaii with projects exceeding $1,500 must be licensed by the Contractors License Board under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). Requires passing trade and business exams, financial statement review, and obtaining liability insurance.

$2 - $5 (application fee + biennial renewal fee; varies by classification)
Renewal: Every 2 years
Processing: ~30 days
Contracting without a license is a misdemeanor. Fines up to $5,000 per violation. DCCA may issue cease-and-desist orders. ($5 - $50)
Apply 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

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

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From $12/month

Total penalty exposure

$17 – $755

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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