THE REGULATED INDUSTRIES COMPLAINTS OFFICE (RICO)
Due to COVID-19 and for the health and safety of consumers, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offices will be closed to the public through Thursday, April 30th or until further notice.
During this period of office closure, no walk-in services will be available and the public is strongly encouraged to use our online services. For a full listing of online services go to http://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.
- If you have a pending complaint with our Investigations Division and would like to leave a message for someone, please call (808) 586-2676 or email us;
- If you have a matter pending with RICO’s Legal Division and would like to leave a message for someone, please call (808) 586-2660 or email us;
- If you call or email us at [email protected], during this emergency closure period, please expect delays in our response times because of the limited services we are able to offer. We appreciate your patience.
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:
