Hawaii Contractor License Classifications
Indexation gate: passedThe Hawaii Contractors License Board establishes three primary categories of contractor licenses: General Engineering, General Building, and over 60 Specialty classifications.
Official Classifications Directory
Electrical Contractor
Legal Citation: HAR § 16-77-32
To place, install, erect, or connect any electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduits, or any part thereof, which generate, transmit, transform, or utilize electrical energy in any form for light, heat, or power purposes.
Notes: Requires qualifying party to hold or employ a licensed supervising electrician or journey worker electrician.
Plumbing Contractor
Legal Citation: HAR § 16-77-32
To install, repair, or alter all sanitary plumbing and water supply systems, sewer systems, drainage systems, gas piping, venting systems, fixtures, and appliances in residential and commercial structures.
Notes: Requires qualifying party with licensed master or journeyman plumber credentials.
Roofing Contractor
Legal Citation: HAR § 16-77-32
To install, apply, repair, or alter roof coverings including wood shingles and shakes, asphalt shingles, built-up roofs, single ply membranes, elastomeric coatings, tile, slate, and metal roofing systems.
Notes: Statewide specialty license required for any roofing project over $1,500 or requiring a permit.
Ventilating & Air Conditioning Contractor
Legal Citation: HAR § 16-77-32
To fabricate, assemble, install, maintain, and repair warm air heating systems, air conditioning systems, ventilating systems, ductwork, evaporative cooling systems, and related refrigeration piping.
Solar Power Systems Contractor
Legal Citation: HAR § 16-77-32
To assemble, install, and maintain photovoltaic solar systems to generate electricity from sunlight, including panels, inverters, racking, balance of system, and grid interconnection coordination.
Notes: Often works concurrently with C-13 electrical contractors.
General Engineering Contractor
Legal Citation: HRS § 444-7(b); HAR § 16-77-28
A general engineering contractor is a contractor whose principal contracting business is in connection with fixed works requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill, including irrigation, drainage, water power, water supply, flood control, harbors, railroads, highways, tunnels, bridges, and power plants.
Notes: Requires 4 years supervisory experience and passing Prometric A exam.
General Building Contractor
Legal Citation: HRS § 444-7(c); HAR § 16-77-28
A general building contractor is a contractor whose principal contracting business is in connection with any structure built, being built, or to be built for the support, shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or movable property of any kind, requiring in its construction the use of more than two unrelated building trades or crafts.
Notes: Cannot contract for jobs involving only one or two trades without appropriate specialty licenses; cannot perform electrical, plumbing, or elevator without specialty license.