Business Licensing & Operations in Hawaii (2026)
10 rules on the books across Hawaii, 4 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Adult Entertainment
Zoning and licensing rules for adult entertainment establishments under LAMC §12.70, including distance buffers from schools, churches, and residential zones.
Honolulu County
Significant RestrictionsHonolulu requires a city panoram license to run adult peep-show booth businesses and sets a minimum 6-foot aisle so…
Read full rule →Maui County
Significant RestrictionsLive adult entertainment in Maui County needs a conditional permit approved by the County Council under Code Chapter…
Read full rule →Tobacco Retail License
The local license required to sell tobacco and vape products, the conduct rules attached to it, flavored-product bans, self-service and age limits, and the zoning that applies to smoke shops.
Secondhand Dealers
LAMC §21.12 + CA Bus & Prof Code requirements for secondhand dealers, including item-reporting to law enforcement and 30-day holding periods.
Honolulu County
Some RestrictionsHonolulu requires anyone doing business as a secondhand dealer anywhere on Oahu to hold a license from the director of…
Read full rule →Kauai County
Some RestrictionsKaua'i County requires anyone buying or selling scrap metal to hold a $10 annual license under Chapter 23, Article 2…
Read full rule →Auto Repair on Residential Property
Whether commercial auto repair is permitted on residential property under LAMC §12.17.3, exemptions for occasional personal repair, and complaint enforcement.
Hawaii County
Heavy RestrictionsHawaii County's zoning code flatly bars auto repair, fabrication and painting as a home occupation. Section…
Read full rule →Honolulu County
Significant RestrictionsVehicle repair or painting is banned as a home occupation unless it's five or fewer household-owned vehicles per year.
Read full rule →Maui County
Significant RestrictionsRunning an automotive repair or body shop out of a Maui County home requires a special use permit, and body shops are…
Read full rule →Towing Companies
Permits, fee caps, and notification requirements for tow companies operating in the city, including official police-rotation tow contracts.
Kauai County
Some RestrictionsKaua'i County Code § 16-9.12 lets police officers and Chief of Police designees order a vehicle towed and stored by a…
Read full rule →Maui County
Some RestrictionsMaui County Code section 20.20.060 lets a property owner or occupant tow an unauthorized abandoned or derelict vehicle…
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