FILE · LANDSCAPING x HONOLULU x HAWAIIPermit StackSpecs LedgerCostTimelineChecklistViolationsFAQ
LANDSCAPING x HONOLULU x HAWAII

Landscaping contractors in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Landscaping contractors in Honolulu must navigate both state-level licensing and local county regulations. The primary regulatory body is the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), which oversees the C-27 Landscaping Contractor classification. Contractors must ensure they are properly licensed for any project exceeding the $1,500 threshold and maintain appropriate insurance coverage to mitigate liability.

Beyond licensing, contractors must comply with local Honolulu County ordinances regarding grading, drainage, and water usage. While routine maintenance often falls outside the scope of strict permitting, any structural work—such as retaining walls or irrigation system installation—requires coordination with the Department of Planning and Permitting. Maintaining accurate tax records and adhering to the state's General Excise Tax requirements is essential for long-term operational compliance.

State License
STATE C-27DCCA CLB
Permit Issuer
DPPHonolulu County
Avg. Plan Review
VariesVerify with DPP
Typical Start-Up
RANGE $500+Fees & Insurance
FILE · LANDSCAPING x HONOLULU x HAWAII
Compliance Dossier
Public
File
05 / 2026
State AuthorityDCCA
CountyHonolulu
City AuthorityDept of Planning and Permitting
Statute / CodeHRS Chapter 444
Federal Cert.None specific
ReciprocityVerify with DCCA
FILE LANDSCAPINGLOCATION HONOLULU, HAWAIITYPE COMPLIANCE GUIDE
VERIFIED 05 / 2026STATUS PUBLIC REFERENCE
What's specific to HonoluluWhat this leaf carries beyond the Hawaii state file.
C-27 Classification
Hawaii uses a specific C-27 license for landscaping, which covers planting, irrigation, and minor decorative masonry.
Grading Ordinance
Honolulu has strict grading ordinances; landscaping that alters natural drainage patterns requires specific oversight.
Water Conservation
Contractors must adhere to Board of Water Supply standards for irrigation to prevent cross-contamination of the water table.
§ 01 · Permit Stack

Three layers govern Landscaping work in Honolulu.

Always check for specific neighborhood association rules which may be more restrictive than city code.

State — Floor
DCCA
C-27 LicenseGET Registration
County — Overlay
Honolulu DPP
Grading PermitRetaining Wall Permit
City — Where you file
Honolulu Building Division
Building PermitPlumbing Permit

Read it bottom-up.

Always check for specific neighborhood association rules which may be more restrictive than city code.

This file exists to show what changes when the trade is Landscaping and the jurisdiction is Honolulu, Hawaii.

Source · State, county, and city issuing authoritiesLast verified · 05 / 2026
§ 02 · Specs Ledger

Every requirement, with a number on it.

Each row names the issuing authority, cost, timeline, citation, and status behind the requirement.

RequirementIssued byCostTimeCitationStatus
C-27 LicenseRequired for jobs > $1,500
DCCA
Verify with DCCA
Verify with DCCA
HRS 444
REQUIRED
General LiabilityStandard industry protection
Private Carrier
Market rate
Immediate
N/A
REQUIRED
Workers' CompRequired if employees present
Private Carrier
Market rate
Immediate
HRS 386
REQUIRED
Grading PermitFor major site alterations
Honolulu DPP
Verify with DPP
Verify with DPP
ROH Chapter 14
REQUIRED
GET LicenseTax registration
HI Dept of Taxation
$20
1-2 weeks
HRS 237
REQUIRED
Contractor BondMay be required by CLB
Surety
Verify with DCCA
Verify with DCCA
HRS 444
REQUIRED
§ 03 · Year-One Cost

What it costs to start Landscaping in Honolulu.

A practical floor for Honolulu, Hawaii. Verify each amount with the issuing authority.

Year-one ledger
Honolulu, Hawaii · Landscaping
Application FeeInitial license filingVerify with DCCA
GET LicenseState tax registration$20
Liability InsuranceAnnual premiumMarket rate
Workers' CompAnnual premiumMarket rate
Permit FeesPer project basisVerify with DPP
BondingSurety bond premiumVerify with DCCA
Year-one floorVaries by scope
Excludes tools, vehicle purchase, payroll, and marketing.
Note
Licensing Fees

Fees are subject to change; check the DCCA website for the current fee schedule.

Note
Insurance Costs

Premiums fluctuate based on your company's safety record and number of employees.

Note
Permit Costs

Permit fees are calculated based on the valuation of the work being performed.

§ 04 · Path to First Job

From day zero to first inspection.

A practical path for Landscaping contractors in Honolulu.

1
Day 0
Business Registration
DCCA
2
Day 14
License Application
DCCA
3
Day 30
Insurance Procurement
Private
4
Day 45
Project Planning
Contractor
5
Day 60
Permit Submission
Honolulu DPP
6
Day 90
Project Closeout
Honolulu DPP
§ 05 · Compliance Checklist

Check them off.

Each item names the issuing authority, cycle, and citation.

01
Verify License Status
Check the DCCA portal to ensure your license is active.
DCCAComplianceDCCA
ContractorIssuing authority
02
Confirm Insurance
Ensure policies cover the specific scope of work.
InsuranceLiabilityN/A
ContractorIssuing authority
03
Check Zoning
Verify project site allows intended landscaping.
ZoningHonoluluDPP
ContractorIssuing authority
04
File GET
Ensure tax registration is current.
TaxStateHRS 237
ContractorIssuing authority
05
Submit Permits
File for grading/plumbing if required.
PermitDPPROH
ContractorIssuing authority
06
Safety Audit
Verify site safety protocols.
SafetyOSHAOSHA
ContractorIssuing authority
§ 06 · Local Enforcement Data

Violations cited most in Honolulu.

When confirmed local data is unavailable, this section stays marked for verification.

Commonly cited
Verify with agency

Unlicensed Contracting

Performing work over $1,500 without a valid C-27 license.

PenaltyCivil penalties and fines
Commonly cited
Verify with agency

Unpermitted Grading

Altering site drainage without a grading permit.

PenaltyStop-work order and fines
Commonly cited
Verify with agency

GET Non-compliance

Failing to report gross income for tax purposes.

PenaltyTax penalties and interest
§ 07 · Honolulu-specific FAQ

Questions Landscaping contractors ask about Honolulu.

Q01Do I need a license for small landscaping jobs?+
If the total cost of the project, including labor and materials, is less than $1,500, a contractor's license is not required by the DCCA.
LicensingExemptionsSource · Hawaii Revised Statutes § 444-2
Q02Where do I apply for a contractor license?+
Applications are processed through the Contractors License Board under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
DCCAApplicationSource · DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing Division
Q03Are there specific permits for irrigation?+
Yes, if the irrigation system connects to the Honolulu Board of Water Supply system, you must obtain a plumbing permit.
PermitsIrrigationSource · Honolulu Board of Water Supply
Q04Is a bond required for landscaping contractors?+
While not always mandatory for all landscaping, the Contractors License Board may require a bond based on specific financial disclosures.
BondingFinancialSource · Contractors License Board
Q05Do I need to pay General Excise Tax?+
Yes, all businesses operating in Hawaii must register for and pay the General Excise Tax on gross income.
TaxGETSource · Hawaii Department of Taxation
Q06What happens if I work without a license?+
Operating without a license when one is required can lead to civil penalties, cease and desist orders, and potential criminal prosecution.
EnforcementPenaltiesSource · Hawaii Revised Statutes § 444-23
§ 08 · Related

Adjacent files.

These are the documents Iris tracks for you.

Store licenses, permits, policies, and renewal dates in one place.