Bill > HB1361

This bill establishes a small business fee waiver program within Hawaii's Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to support new entrepreneurs by reducing initial business registration costs. To qualify, applicants must be registering a new business for the first time, be classified as a small business under existing state law, and provide an affidavit confirming they have not previously owned a registered business in the state. The program will waive fees for initial business registration filings for various business structures (corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and sole proprietorships), as well as trade name, trademark, and service mark registration fees. The fee waivers do not cover annual renewal fees, penalties, or late filing charges. The department is required to develop an outreach program to inform the public about the initiative and provide guidance to new business owners. Additionally, the department must submit an annual report to the legislature detailing the number of businesses that used the program, the total amount of fees waived, and recommendations for program improvements. The program is funded through state general revenues and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with the intent of encouraging entrepreneurship and economic growth in Hawaii by reducing financial barriers to starting a new business.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1361&year=2026