Contractors, Electricians, Plumbers, and Elevator Mechanics

In the State of Hawaii, a contractor’s license is required for any project (1) where the cost of the labor and materials is over $1,500, or (2) when, regardless of the cost,  a building permit is required.

An electrician’s license is required for to perform electrical work, which includes the installation, alteration, reconstruction, or repair of electrical wiring.

Similarly, a plumber’s license is required to perform plumbing work, which includes the installation, maintenance, extension, or alteration of piping, fixtures, appliances, and appurtenances.

An elevator mechanic’s  license is required to, among other things,  construct, alter, maintain, or adjust elevators, escalators, ramps, and lifts.

Each year, RICO receives hundreds of tips and complaints about unlicensed contractors, electricians, and plumbers.  The complaints range from construction that has been poorly done, to money being taken and no work being done at all. Occasionally, complaints are also received about unlicensed elevator retrofitting activity.

For more information, including helpful tips for consumers, click on this link to visit RICO’s page, “Hire a Licensed Contractor”:

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RICO relies on information from consumers to monitor conduct in the industry and to watch for unlicensed activity. For information about filing a complaint, click on the link below or call the RICO Consumer Resource Center to speak with an intake investigator about your complaint.