Hawaii Real Estate License Law for Brokers
Hawaii real estate practice is governed by Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 467 and the administrative rules in HAR Chapter 16-99, administered by the Real Estate Commission within the DCCA. This chapter covers the licensing authority, the broker experience requirement, and the biennial renewal cycle.
The Real Estate Commission and Chapter 467
The Hawaii Real Estate Commission, operating through the Real Estate Branch of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), issues and regulates broker and salesperson licenses under HRS Chapter 467. The Commission investigates complaints, sets education requirements, and may deny, suspend, or revoke licenses. A private trade association has no licensing power, and the Bureau of Conveyances only records documents.
Broker's Experience Certificate
Broker candidates in Hawaii must document substantial experience through a Broker's Experience Certificate, generally showing at least three of the prior five years of active, full-time Hawaii salesperson activity. This experience gate is on top of the broker pre-license course and the examination, and it reflects the added supervisory and trust-handling duties a broker assumes.
Biennial Renewal and Continuing Education
Hawaii licenses run on a two-year cycle that expires on December 31 of each even-numbered year. Licensees must complete Commission-approved continuing education before renewing. Letting a license lapse or forfeit can require additional steps to restore, so brokers must track the fixed statewide deadline for themselves and for the licensees they supervise.