Bill > HB846

This bill raises the threshold for the handyman exemption under Hawaii's contractor licensing law from $1,500 to $2,500, allowing contractors to perform work under this amount without needing a contractor's license. The proposed change is motivated by several factors, including rising construction costs, inflation, and a shortage of licensed contractors in Hawaii. Currently, contractors must be licensed for projects over $1,500, which the bill argues is too low given increasing material and labor expenses. The exemption continues to not apply to projects requiring building permits or those that are part of a larger project designed to circumvent licensing requirements. The bill notes that Hawaii currently has one of the lowest exemption thresholds in the United States, with many states allowing much higher dollar amounts of unlicensed work. By increasing the threshold, the bill aims to make it easier for homeowners to obtain timely and affordable small-scale repairs while acknowledging the ongoing housing crisis and cost of living challenges in Hawaii. The change would take effect immediately upon approval.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=846&year=2026