Not yet re-checked against the Hawaii Dept of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; verify before relying on it.
Hawaii subcontractor insurance & compliance requirements
If you're a general contractor hiring subcontractors in Hawaii, here are the certificates and documents you should collect and keep current, and how TradeGuard tracks them automatically.
Documents to collect from subcontractors in Hawaii
The core compliance documents a GC should require and keep current for each sub.
State-issued contractor license or registration.
Certificate of Insurance for General Liability coverage.
Certificate showing workers' comp for the sub's employees. Who must carry it depends on the state and the number of employees.
Used to report what you pay the sub on Form 1099-NEC. For payments made in 2026 or later the IRS reporting threshold is $2,000 (it was $600).
Some owners and contracts require it, and some states require it on public projects.
Public owners require one on larger public contracts; the threshold depends on the owner and the state.
Public owners usually require it alongside the performance bond.
Often required with a bid on public work; it backs the bidder's promise to sign the contract at the bid price.
The bond the state requires for a contractor's license or registration; ask the sub for a copy.
Hawaii DCCA licenses contractors in various classifications. All contractor license types (A, B, C, D, specialty) required for work over $1,000.
Hawaii operates an approved state OSHA plan. Hawaii has an approved state OSHA plan (HIOSH) covering private and public sector
Bond required with license application
- DCCA: Hawaii Dept of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
- HIOSH: Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division
- DLIR: Hawaii Dept of Labor and Industrial Relations
Summary for Hawaii
Hawaii has its own OSHA plan. License required for work over $1,000.
Track all of this automatically in Hawaii
TradeGuard asks each sub for these documents through an upload link and shows what's missing for Hawaii, with alerts before anything expires.
No credit card required · Cancel anytime · See how COI tracking works
Hawaii compliance FAQ
Do subcontractors need a contractor license in Hawaii?+
Hawaii DCCA licenses contractors in various classifications. All contractor license types (A, B, C, D, specialty) required for work over $1,000.
Does Hawaii follow federal OSHA or a state OSHA plan?+
Hawaii runs its own OSHA-approved state plan. Hawaii has an approved state OSHA plan (HIOSH) covering private and public sector
Is a surety bond required for contractors in Hawaii?+
Yes. Bond required with license application
This page is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm current rules with the relevant Hawaii agencies before relying on them.