Serve on a Board or Commission
The State of Hawaii is seeking individuals interested in serving on various boards and commissions and having an active voice in our government. Boards and commissions enable citizens to contribute to vital decision making that may impact the quality of life and safety of the consumers of our State. Boards and commissions consist of both industry members and public members who are not required to have any prior experience in the subject matter and may provide a unique perspective. Thus, Hawaii residents are encouraged to apply for any board or commission of interest to them.
The 25 boards and commissions under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division are charged with licensing persons who practice regulated businesses and professions in the State of Hawaii. Generally, licensing boards and commissions in Hawaii have:
- rulemaking authority to, among other things, define the scope of practice;
- licensing authority to grant, deny, or condition licenses; and
- decision making authority to issue final orders in disciplinary cases.
Important notes about serving on a board or commission:
- Residency – Appointees need to be U.S. citizens and residents of Hawaii for at least one year immediately preceding their appointment.
- Compensation – Most boards and commissions consist of volunteer positions and no compensation is received, however, in some cases members may be reimbursed for certain expenses.
- Time Commitment – In addition to attending scheduled meetings, members are expected to dedicate time outside of the meetings to do reading and research relevant subject matter.
- Terms – In most instances terms are for four years, but may vary depending on the board or commission. Terms commence on July 1 and expire on June 30.
- Legal Liability – Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 26-35.5 provides for immunity from or indemnification for civil liability for members performing their duty on the board or commission.
More detailed information can be found on the Governor’s State of Hawaii Boards and Commissions FAQs.
Applying to serve on a board or commission:
If you are interested in applying to serve on a State of Hawaii board or commission, we encourage you to apply online with the State of Hawaii Boards and Commissions
- Select the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
- Please be sure that at the time you apply, you are ready to upload:
◊ three (3) references
◊ a letter of interest
◊ a resume - Please also select up to three boards or commissions upon which you would like to serve so that alternate choices may be considered.
PVL Board and Commission Vacancies
| Board | Public Immediate Vacancy | Public Vacancy on 07/01/2021 | Industry Immediate Vacancy | Industry Vacancy on 07/01/2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Board of Accountancy | 1 | 2 | ||
| Board of Acupuncture | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Board of Barbering and Cosmetology | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
| Hawaii State Boxing Commission | 2 | |||
| Hawaii Board of Chiropractic | 1 | |||
| Contractors License Board | 2 | 2 | 1 | |
| Board of Dentistry | 1 | 2 | ||
| Board of Electricians and Plumbers | 1 | 1 | ||
| Elevator Mechanics Licensing Board | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
| Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Board of Massage Therapy | 1 | 1 | ||
| Hawaii Medical Board | 1 | |||
| Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board | 2 | 1 | ||
| Motor Vehicle Licensing Board | 3 | 1 | ||
| Board of Naturopathic Medicine | 1 | |||
| Board of Nursing | ||||
| Board of Optometry | 1 | 1 | ||
| Pest Control Board | 1 | 2 | ||
| Board of Pharmacy | 2 | |||
| Board of Physical Therapy | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Board of Private Detectives and Guards | 1 | |||
| Board of Psychology | 1 | 1 | ||
| Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology | 2 | 2 | ||
| Board of Veterninary Medicine | 1 | 1 | 3 | |
| Real Estate Commission | 1 | 2 |