Hawaii Franchise Law Guide: HRS Chapter 482E Registration & the DCCA
What a prospective franchisee should know about Hawaii franchise filing and disclosure before signing.
Last reviewed: May 26, 2026 by the BizLeaseCheck Editorial Team
General information, not legal advice.
Overview
Hawaii regulates the offer and sale of franchises under the Franchise Investment Law, HRS Chapter 482E, administered by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Business Registration Division — Securities.
Franchisors generally must file before offering or selling a franchise in Hawaii, and the federal 14-day disclosure rule still applies.
What to check
HRS Chapter 482E governs franchise offers and sales connected to Hawaii and is administered by the DCCA Business Registration Division — Securities.
The chapter covers the offering circular, exemptions, and the relationship between franchisor and franchisee.
Hawaii DCCA — HRS Chapter 482E (Franchise Investment Law)Franchisors submit initial and renewal filings under Chapter 482E through the DCCA securities online portal.
An exemption can apply for sales to franchisees not domiciled in Hawaii where the franchise business will not be operated in Hawaii.
Hawaii Revised Statutes — Chapter 482EConfirm the franchisor’s Hawaii filing is effective and that you received the FDD at least 14 days before signing.
Hawaii’s relationship provisions and exemptions are technical; confirm specifics with a franchise attorney.
Hawaii DCCA — SecuritiesKey takeaways
- Hawaii regulates franchises under HRS Chapter 482E.
- The DCCA Business Registration Division — Securities administers the law.
- Franchisors generally must file before offering or selling in Hawaii.
- You should receive the FDD at least 14 days before signing (federal rule).
- Out-of-state sales not operated in Hawaii may be exempt — confirm.
Official resources
Legal-review notes
Guide confidence marker: High confidence.
- Confirm current Hawaii filing procedures, fees, and exemptions with the DCCA Securities office.
- Verify Chapter 482E relationship provisions before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
Does Hawaii require franchise registration?
Hawaii regulates franchise offers under HRS Chapter 482E, and franchisors generally must file with the DCCA before offering or selling in Hawaii, unless an exemption applies.
Which agency regulates franchises in Hawaii?
The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Business Registration Division — Securities.
Is there a Hawaii exemption?
Yes — for example, sales to franchisees not domiciled in Hawaii where the business will not operate in Hawaii. Confirm exemptions with the DCCA or a franchise attorney.