HB 1109 Summary

• Establishes a "practice privilege" allowing certified public accountants (CPAs) licensed in other states with substantially equivalent qualifications to practice in Hawaii for up to 120 days per calendar year without obtaining a Hawaii license

• Out-of-state CPAs exercising the privilege must consent to Hawaii's Board of Accountancy jurisdiction, comply with state law and board rules, maintain their home state license, and notify the board of disciplinary actions or criminal convictions within 30 days

• Requires out-of-state CPAs performing certain attest services (audits, examinations of prospective financial information, PCAOB auditing standards work) for entities with offices in Hawaii to work through firms holding Hawaii permits

• Modifies Hawaii's accountancy licensing requirements to recognize "substantial equivalency" determinations by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy and allows firms to operate without permits in certain limited circumstances when using qualified CPAs with practice privileges

• Grants the Board of Accountancy disciplinary authority over all CPAs practicing in Hawaii, including those with practice privileges, and allows the board to impose fees and costs for investigation and enforcement