Bill > HB1361

This bill establishes a small business fee waiver program within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to help new entrepreneurs by eliminating initial registration costs. To qualify, applicants must be registering a new business in Hawaii for the first time and meet the state's definition of a small business, which they must verify through an affidavit. The program will waive fees for initial business registration for various business types including corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and sole proprietorships, as well as trade name, trademark, and service mark registration fees. The fee waivers do not cover annual renewal fees or penalties for late filings. The department is required to develop an outreach program to inform the public about the initiative and must submit an annual report to the legislature detailing the number of businesses that used the program, total fees waived, and recommendations for program improvements. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an appropriation of funds from the state's general revenues to implement the program. The underlying purpose is to encourage entrepreneurship by reducing the financial barriers to starting a new business in Hawaii.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1361&year=2025