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HRS §271-8

You need a permit to carry people or goods for pay

This law says you cannot transport people or property for money using a motor vehicle on public highways in Hawaii unless you have a certificate or permit from the public utilities commission. There is an exception in section 271-5.

everyone

The statute, as written — Certificate or permit required

Except as provided in section 271-5, no person shall engage in the transportation of persons or property, for compensation or hire, by motor vehicle, over any public highway of this State unless there is in force with respect to the person a certificate or permit issued by the public utilities commission authorizing the transportation.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

Sections this one refers to

§271-5 Who is exempt from motor carrier rules

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.