THE REGULATED INDUSTRIES COMPLAINTS OFFICE (RICO)
Due to COVID-19 and for the health and safety of both consumers and staff, walk-in services at the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offices are available during abbreviated hours between 7:45 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday through Friday, until further notice. Please observe proper safety protocols (e.g., face covering and physical distancing) when visiting.
Staff will remain available during normal hours to meet the needs of the public over the phone and online. The public is strongly encouraged to continue calling in or utilizing the available online services.
Contact information for each division is available at https://cca.hawaii.gov/contact/.
For a full listing of online services please go to https://cca.hawaii.gov/covid19.
If you need assistance related to RICO matters, please call our main line at (808) 587-4272. We encourage you to peruse our website too for more information about the regulation of licensed and unlicensed activity in the State.
In the State of Hawaii, a license is required before you can work in certain industries. Currently, there are more than 50 different industries in which a professional or vocational license is required. These industries are the kind that affect the health, safety, and welfare of Hawaii’s citizens.
The Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO) investigates allegations of professional misconduct by licensees and unlicensed activity that may be occurring in the State. RICO’s partner agency, the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division, accepts applications and issues licenses for the various licensing boards, commissions, and programs.
Thinking about remodeling your house or wondering where to have your car repaired? Go to Check Out a Business Online to check licensing and complaints.
Thinking about a home improvement project? Visit our Hire a Licensed Contractor site. This website is dedicated to assisting consumers in evaluating and choosing a licensed contractor.
RICO also administers the State Certified Arbitration Program (SCAP). Hawaii’s “Lemon Law” helps consumers who have problems getting their new or leased cars (or motorcycles) repaired under a manufacturer’s warranty.
For a more detailed explanation about RICO, see our Overview/Services, or click on the following links for information about a specific profession or vocation:
