HCC §5-3-23
When you don't need an electrical permit
Read the official text at hawaiicounty.gov ↗This section lists electrical jobs that do not need a permit, like fixing appliances or replacing outlets. But these exceptions do not apply if the original work was done without a required permit or is part of a dangerous wiring system. Even without a permit, you must still follow all other building and electrical rules.
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The ordinance, as written (Hawaiʻi County) — Electrical work; exempt
A copy, taken August 21, 2026. The version published by Hawaiʻi County is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.
(a) A permit shall not be required for the following electrical work: (1) Electrical work and installations to which the provisions of this chapter and chapter 5D, the electrical code, are expressly declared to be not applicable. (2) Existing electrical installations which complied with the applicable laws in effect when the electrical work thereon was performed, provided that such installations shall be subject to the provisions of section 5D-2-3. (3) Installation of any portable motor or other portable appliance energized by means of a cord or cable, having an attachment plug, if such cord or cable is permitted by chapter 5D, the electrical code. (4) Repair of any fixed motor, water heater, air conditioning controls, or other appliance, or replacement of any fixed motor with another having the same horsepower rating and situated at the same location. (5) Replacement of receptacles and switches to tamper-resistant receptacles and switches. (6) Maintenance work by a licensed electrician pursuant to chapter 448E, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, provided, that maintenance work that involves or requires the repair, replacement, or rearrangement of wiring does require a permit as it is not included in this exemption. (b) The provisions of the foregoing exemptions shall not apply to any repairs or replacement of electrical devices, apparatus, or appliances which were originally installed without a permit, when such permit is required for the original installation, or when energized by or a part of any hazardous or illegal wiring system. 5-15 SUPP. 17 (1-2025) (c) The foregoing exemptions from permit requirements shall not be deemed to: (1) Allow any electrical work to be done in a manner contrary to other provisions of the construction code; or (2) Authorize violation of chapter 5D, the electrical code, or other applicable laws. (2020, ord 20-61, sec 2.) 5-3-23
Published by the County of Hawaiʻi Office of the County Clerk.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.