In order to become a general contractor in Hawaii, you’ll need to seek out proper licensing and education, as set forth by Hawaii’s Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. This includes applying for a license, providing proof of prior experience, payment of applicable fees, and passing the Prometric exam, among other requirements.
Hawaii Contractor License Requirements
To obtain a general contractor’s license in Hawaii, you must meet certain requirements. These are:
- You must be an adult, at least 18 years of age
- You must have a good reputation for honesty, truthfulness, financial integrity, and fair dealing
- You must be able to prove 4 years of supervisory experience within the past 10 years
- You must pass an examination for the appropriate license classification
- You must prove that you have liability and workers’ compensation insurance
- If applying as an entity such as a joint venture, LLC, etc, you must employ a Registered Managing Employee
Also, most Hawaiian cities require surety bonds as well as contractor bonds, performance bonds, and/or bid bonds for public construction projects. The cost of the bond varies with each bond type — you can ensure you get the best bond rate by researching local bond companies. Failure to obtain a bond can result in forfeiture of the license.