How to Start Your LLC in Hawaii
Legal Bueno helps with everything you need to start your business. We take care of all the paperwork so you don't have to worry about it. Want to learn more about the process we handle? Keep reading!
Quick Summary:
- Filing Fee: $50
- Turnaround time: 7-10 business days
How do I start an LLC in Hawaii?
Thinking about starting an LLC? The process is pretty similar across the states. You'll start by picking a unique name for your business (you'll need to check to make sure it hasn't been taken!) and then filing some paperwork—usually called Articles of Organization or a Certificate of Formation—with your state's agency.
If you want to check the name availability for Hawaii, visit https://hbe.ehawaii.gov/documents/search.html.
After that's taken care of, you'll want to draft a governing doc for your business called an operating agreement & find any licenses you might need. Just keep in mind that each state has its own little quirks, so it's always a good idea to double-check specific requirements for your area.
What are the costs & processing times of starting a business in Hawaii?
Here's the rundown for Hawaii:
- The filing fee is: $50
- There are ongoing fees of $15 (every year)
- It usually takes 7-10 business days if you're filing online or 7-10 business days (plus mail time) if by mail.
Why Hawaii is a great state for your LLC
Starting a company in Hawaii comes with a variety of unique benefits that can enhance the entrepreneurial experience. Here are some key advantages:
- Enterprise Zones Partnership Program:
- Business Entity Options:
- Simplified Administrative Process:
- Tax Advantages:
- Ideal Business Environment:
Embracing these benefits can position entrepreneurs for success in the competitive landscape of Hawaii while enjoying the state's natural beauty and lifestyle.
Legal Requirements
Remember! Legal Bueno will handle all of these requirements for you, but if you're interested, here are the legal requirements for Hawaii:
Articles of Organization
The articles of organization must include:1. The name of the company;
- The mailing address of the company's initial principal office and the information required by Haw. Rev. Stat. § 425R-4(a);
- The name and address of each organizer;
- Whether the duration of the company is for a specified term and, if so, the period specified;
- Whether the company is to be manager-managed, and
a. If so, the name and address of each initial manager, and the number of initial members; or
b. If not, the name and address of each initial member; and
- Whether the members of the company are to be liable for its debts and obligations under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 428-303(c).
Articles of organization of an LLC may set forth:1. Provisions permitted to be set forth in an operating agreement; or
- Other matters not inconsistent with law.
Articles of organization of an LLC may not vary the nonwaivable provisions of Haw. Rev. Stat. § 428-103(b) with respect to restrictions on operating agreements.
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 428-203
Filing fee: $50
Filing Process
After you've prepared the initial formation documents, you need to file it! Here is what Hawaii laws require for filing:
Articles of organization or any other record authorized to be filed must be in a medium permitted by the director of commerce and consumer affairs and must be delivered to the office of the director.
Unless the director determines that a record fails to comply with the filing requirements, and if all filing fees have been paid, the director will file the record and stamp the word “Filed” and the date of delivery.
A record filed with the director may contain information in addition to the required information.
If the director has prescribed a mandatory form for a record to be filed, the record must be in or on the prescribed form.
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 428-206
Additional Legal Considerations
Here are some additional relevant laws that might be useful when operating your business in Hawaii:
Effect of operating agreement–nonwaivable provisions
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 428-103
Annual Report
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 428-210