Hawaii's Department of Labor Boiler and Elevator Branch regulates all passenger elevators, escalators, and lifts statewide. Honolulu condos and commercial buildings must obtain annual inspection certificates, posted in the cab, with violations triggering shutdown orders.
Under HRS Chapter 397 and Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 12 Chapter 230, elevators must be inspected annually by state inspectors or certified third parties. Owners file permits, complete required testing, and pay annual fees that vary with capacity. Honolulu's many high-rise condominiums in Waikiki, Ala Moana, and downtown are heavily affected. Failed inspections lead to red-tag shutdown until repairs and re-inspection occur. Modernization projects also need HRS-coordinated permits with DPP for any structural or accessibility changes under ADA and ANSI A17.1.
Operating without a current inspection certificate can result in fines and an order to remove the elevator from service. Continued operation after a red-tag is a misdemeanor under HRS §397-7 with daily penalties.
See how Honolulu's elevator maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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