HI HB1361

Establishes a small business fee waiver program within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' Business Registration Division to waive certain fees for first-time small business registrants in Hawaii.

Applicants must be registering a new business entity for the first time, be classified as a small business under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 211D-1, and provide an affidavit confirming they have not previously owned a registered small business in the State.

Waives initial business registration filing fees for corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and sole proprietorships, as well as trade name, trademark, and service mark registration fees.

Excludes annual business renewal fees and penalties, fines, or fees for late filings or non-compliance from the waiver program.

Requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to develop an outreach program, provide guidance to new business owners, and submit annual reports to the legislature detailing program usage, total fees waived, and recommendations; takes effect July 1, 2025.