HRS §237-20
Tax rules for business with owners and members
This section says that when a business deals with its own owners or members, both sides are taxable on that business. Being a cooperative or having a common goal does not create a tax exemption. True agents are treated differently, and reimbursements for costs are not income unless you also get extra payment.
businesses
The statute, as written — Principles applicable in certain situations
A person or company having shareholders or members (a corporation, association, group, trust, partnership, joint adventure, or other person) is taxable upon its business with them, and they are taxable upon their business with it. A person or company, whether or not called a cooperative, through which shareholders or members are pursuing a common objective (for example, the obtaining of property or services for their individual businesses or use, or the marketing of their individual products) is a taxable person, and such facts do not give rise to any tax exemption or tax benefit except as specifically provided. Even though a business has some of the aspects of agency it shall not be so regarded unless it is a true agency. The reimbursement of costs or advances made for or on behalf of one person by another shall not constitute gross income of the latter, unless the person receiving such reimbursement also receives additional monetary consideration for making such costs or advances.
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