Bill > SB1213

This bill allows businesses in Hawaii to use a registered email address as an alternative to maintaining a traditional registered agent for legal service of process. Specifically, corporations (both domestic and foreign), partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies can now designate an official email address with the department director to receive legal documents electronically. When a business chooses this option, they consent to receiving legal notices, claims, summons, complaints, and other documents via email, with service being considered complete upon successful transmission. The registered email address must be capable of sending and receiving graphic copies of documents from the general public. Importantly, this new method does not eliminate other traditional methods of service, such as in-person delivery or mail, but provides a more flexible and potentially more efficient alternative for businesses. The bill applies across multiple chapters of Hawaii's Revised Statutes and will take effect immediately upon approval, offering businesses a modern approach to handling legal communications and potentially reducing the ongoing costs associated with maintaining a physical registered agent.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1213&year=2025