Hawaii

A considerable amount of effort went into the many business resources, and the guide to Hawaii Government, and life found on the Aloha State’s pages. Online since 1991, these pages just keep getting better and better. eHawaiigov.com is what the State is calling its home to online services, and they make a number of services available online, including searching for business names, getting a freshwater fishing license, and looking at tax licenses. I like their motto, which is “Get online, not in line.”

Business Registration

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is the Department that handles business registration through the Business Registration Division, which administers and enforces business laws in Hawaii. Most forms that you may need can be downloaded in PDF format from their site. Make certain that you review their filing tips, the fee schedule, and especially their frequently asked questions section. Those sections are well written, and may help out with the whole process of registering your business.

Business Development

A considerable amount of useful information regarding starting a business in Hawaii is included in the pages of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. The information presented on their web site is recommended reading regardless of where you intend to conduct business. Their pages also include many of the issues that can become part of a painful process, like licensing; meeting State, County, and federal requirements; getting professional licensing; registering trade names, trademarks, and service marks. This page makes that process much easier.

Taxes

To take advantage of the information at the Hawaii Department of Taxation, you need the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. There is some useful information present, especially the “Starting a Business - Licenses and Taxes” article located on the Tax Facts page. There is also a pretty comprehensive list of forms for businesses. For example, it’s probably a good idea to read the instructions for the form on the Capital Goods Excise Tax Credit (Instructions for forms N-312/N - 312/A) if you are planning on purchasing or importing eligible depreciable tangible personal property to be used in trade or business in Hawaii. Legislation

Searching through the pages of The Hawaii State Legislature can not only help you find out information about the lawmakers of Hawaii, but lets you view the legislation they are working upon, and allows you to search for statutes in the 2000 Hawaii Revised Statutes.