HRS §436B-26
No pay for unlicensed work
If you do work that needs a license but you don't have a current, valid one, you cannot sue to get paid for that work or materials. This applies to any legal claim for payment, not just a written contract.
everyone
The statute, as written — No compensation for unlicensed activity; civil action
The failure of any person to maintain a current and a valid license prior to engaging in any activity requiring licensure by the licensing authority shall prevent such person from recovering in a civil action for work or services performed or materials or supplies furnished, or both, on a contract or on any legal basis to recover the reasonable value thereof.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.