HRS §200-31
Registering and numbering boats in Hawaii waters
Most boats that are not federally documented must be registered and numbered every year before they can be used in Hawaii waters. Some boats are exempt, like foreign boats visiting temporarily, U.S. government boats, lifeboats, and others the department allows. Registration cannot be renewed or transferred if the owner owes money, has a pending citation, or the boat is abandoned or impounded.
everyone
The statute, as written — Vessels required to be registered and numbered
(a) Every undocumented vessel shall be registered and numbered before its use or operation on or in the waters of the State on an annual basis in accordance with the rules of the department except: (1) Foreign vessels temporarily using the waters of this State; (2) Public vessels of the United States; (3) Ships' life boats; and (4) Other vessels exempted by the department, if federal laws and requirements permit the department to exempt the vessels. (b) No vessel registration shall be renewed or transferred if: (1) The registered owner is delinquent in payment of any moneys due and payable to the department; (2) The registered owner has pending a citation for violation of any of the department's rules; or (3) The registered owner's vessel is an abandoned vessel, grounded vessel, derelict vessel, unauthorized vessel, or vessel impounded under section 200-16. All fees and charges relating to the vessel impound as well as any other fees associated with the vessel shall be paid in full prior to the vessel registration being renewed or transferred.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.