S.B. 2376 Summary

• Raises the handyman exemption threshold under Hawaii's contractor licensing law from $1,000 to $5,000 for projects where the aggregate contract price for labor, materials, taxes, and other items does not exceed that amount.

• Exemption does not apply to projects requiring a building permit or to portions of larger projects artificially divided to avoid licensing requirements.

• Addresses rising housing costs and material prices in Hawaii, noting the handyman exemption had not been increased since 1992 despite a fivefold increase in penalties for unlicensed contracting.

• Intended to improve access to construction services for smaller projects and reduce costs for homeowners and landlords, particularly in rural areas where licensed contractors are difficult to find.

• Takes effect on January 1, 2045.