Hawaii Building Code, Permit and Licensing Information
Updated May 24, 2024
Current State Codes and Edition Adopted:
What is the Current Hawaii Building Code?
- 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
- 2018 International Building Code (IBC)
- 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
- 2018 International Residential Code (IRC)
- 2020 National Electric Code (NEC) – Effective 3/4/23
- State Energy Code – 2018 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2016
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code 2018
Notes: The state of Hawaii passed a rule that as of July 2018, the state had to adopt the most recent edition of the model codes, including the NEC, within one year of publication. The four Hawaii counties — Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii – Big Island — have two years in which to adopt locally.
A home rule state is one where codes are adopted and enforced at the local level. Some home rule states will have a mandate that jurisdictions can go above code but also have to meet a certain minimum code. In general terms, the idea of home rule is defined as the ability of a local government to act and make policy in all areas that have not been designated to be of statewide interest through general law, state constitutional provisions, or initiatives and referenda.
The agency has the authority to adopt any code(s) statewide. However, the Statute names the minimum codes to be adopted within 24 months of their publication. The state code is based on the IBC, IRC, IECC, UPC and the fire code as adopted by the State Fire Council. The four county jurisdictions have 2 years following the state adoption to adopt and amend the State Code with local amendments. If the county jurisdictions do not comply within the 2-year timeline, then the State Code becomes the county’s code until such time the county passes an adopting ordinance.
State Code Agency:
Hawaii State Building Code Council – Adopts any code(s) except a fire code:
State Building Official
Gaur Johnson, Chairman,
Hawaii State Building Code Council
Dept. of Accounting & General Services
1151 Punchbowl St.
Honolulu, HI 96813
| State Website | https://portal.ehawaii.gov/ |
| State Licensing | License required for electrical, plumbing, pesticide, manufactured housing, landscape architecture and asbestos removal. No state license is required for general contracting. |
| State Licensing Division | https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/ |
| State Fire Marshal | https://labor.hawaii.gov/sfc/ |
| State Environmental Permit | https://health.hawaii.gov/epo/ |
Additional Building Codes by State
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming