Starting a Business in Hawaii | Guide to Starting a Business

As an entrepreneur in Honolulu, you won't be working for the boss anymore. You are the boss. Owning your own business will be a daunting task, but you can do it.

We are here to help Honolulu businesses to be successful. We believe entrepreneurship is an amazing engine for job creation in Honolulu, neighborhood development and overall economic health.

Guide to Doing Business in Honolulu

Starting a new business can be exciting. The following information is provided to assist you in starting a business in Honolulu.
Steps

Develop a Business Plan

A Business Plan will help but it can also discourage a good business idea because you may determine you are not ready to start a business.

A Business Plan is like an outline of all the steps you need to go through to start your business. It will also help for getting business loans and as a guide through the steps to complete your start up operations.

Select your Business Structure

If you want to incorporate, you need to file articles of incorporation and obtain a corporate certificate.

Note: If you incorporate or form an LLC, in Honolulu OR you are or will be an employer, you need to obtain a Federal Income Tax Identification Number, also known as Federal Employer Identification Numbers (EIN's).

Register a DBA Business Name

If you select a name for your business in Hawaii that is other than your own last name or is a name other than the LLC or corporation name ( if you file one), the name is considered a fictitious business name or trade name. If so, you will need to register a dba business name also called a fictitious, firm, or assumed business name certificate.

Get Your Hawaii Business License

Most cities use the term "business tax" rather than "business license." The business tax registration fee for most businesses located in most US Cities is about $30 to $150 dollars. The renewal fee in subsequent years is about the same amount plus in some cases an amount based on the type of business and the number of employees a business employs. Home-based Businesses operating out of a residential location or home are also required to obtain a business license and / or a home occupation permit.

Obtain Permits & Licenses

• Building Permit: A Building Permit is needed for all new construction in most US cities.
• Honolulu Fire Permits: Some cities require A Fire Code Permit but in most cases it is not required right away. What you need to start is a business license and a seller's permit if you sell tangible taxable items.
• Alarm Permits: If you are operating an alarm system, you most likely need to obtain an Alarm Permit but again it is not required right away and in most cases you need the alarm installed before you get the license.
• Sign Permits: If you displaying a sign, you may need to obtain a Sign Permit but in most cases the person that constructs your sign, also obtains this permit for you.
• Retail and Wholesale Business Permits: If your business will involve taxable sales, you will need to obtain a Seller's Permit also called a buyers license, a retail license, or reseller or wholesale license.
• Restaurants and Food Vendors: All US cities require a health inspection and in such case because health and public safety is involved in preparing and selling food, you may need a county permit as well as a permit.
• Department of Consumer Affairs Professional Licenses: Accountants, engineers, doctors, and dentists require a State license from the Department of Consumer Affairs. Businesses such as barbers, cosmetologist, security services, and auto repairs are also required to obtain a State license. We don't obtain these here because you need to take a test to obtain them. Even after you obtain your professional license, you still need all the other business licenses mentioned above to operate our business.
• Import/Export Permit: If your business will involve the import or export of products with other countries, you may need to obtain an Import/Export Permit. For more information, contact the United States Customs Service at 415-782-9210.

Honolulu Licenses & Permits Do I need a license?

Legally speaking yes. Nearly all businesses need a license. There may be local, county, state, and or federal licensing requirements, depending on the type of business you select.

The cost of getting a license are typically ranging between $10 and $150 but it could be more, if there are any license fees.

Talent HR Solutions offers new businesses in Hawaii a way to streamline and run efficiently by handling payroll services and human resource services.