| Zoning / CUP | Varies by zone — confirm with City and County of Honolulu or local planning office — fee: Referenced in ROH Chapter 18 Table 18-A — specific amounts not publicly indexed |
| Health permit authority | Hawaii Dept of Human Services (DHS) — Social Services Division, Child Care Licensing — fee: Contact required |
| Fire inspection | Pre-opening: Yes — required before opening; annual re-inspection required |
| Business license | Verify — may be city or county depending on location — fee: General Excise Tax (GET) license required; amount varies + county surcharge 0.5% |
| Last verified | 2026 |
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Zoning requirements in Honolulu County
Local zoning rules determine where you can operate a childcare program in Honolulu County and whether a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) or special use permit is required before opening. Zoning approval is typically required alongside your state licensing application.
| Zoning authority | City and County of Honolulu — Dept of Planning and Permitting |
| CUP required? | Varies by zone — confirm with City and County of Honolulu or local planning office |
| CUP / permit fee | Referenced in ROH Chapter 18 Table 18-A — specific amounts not publicly indexed |
| State preemption | No statewide preemption — county zoning applies |
Health permit requirements in Honolulu County
In addition to your state childcare license, many counties require a separate local health or environmental permit before operating a childcare program. Requirements and fees vary by county.
| Health / licensing authority | Hawaii Dept of Human Services (DHS) — Social Services Division, Child Care Licensing |
| Permit required? | Yes — DHS child care facility license required |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual permit fee | Contact required |
| Inspection frequency | Pre-opening and annual inspections |
| Key requirements | Physical environment, staff ratios, health and safety per Hawaii Administrative Rules §17-895 |
Hawaii is organized into 4 counties; DHS licenses statewide but each county has its own planning/fire/business license authority
Fire safety requirements in Honolulu County
Fire marshal approval is typically required before your state childcare license is issued in Honolulu County. A pre-opening fire inspection is required, and annual re-inspections are generally required for license renewal.
| Fire authority | Honolulu Fire Department |
| Pre-opening inspection | Yes — required before opening |
| Annual re-inspection | Yes — annual fire safety inspection |
| Key requirements | Exits, emergency lighting, smoke detectors, fire extinguisher certification, fire alarm system (where required) |
Business license requirements in Honolulu County
A local business license is required to legally operate a childcare program in Honolulu County. This is typically required before your state childcare license application can be completed.
| Licensing authority | City and County of Honolulu — Business Registration (Dept of Commerce and Consumer Affairs) |
| Required? | Verify — may be city or county depending on location |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual fee | General Excise Tax (GET) license required; amount varies + county surcharge 0.5% |
Verify whether Honolulu County or the relevant incorporated city is the issuing authority for your specific address.
Frequently asked questions: Honolulu County childcare compliance
Stay compliant in Honolulu County with brightwheel
Brightwheel helps childcare providers in Hawaii manage the documentation requirements that come with operating a licensed program — from CCDBG attendance tracking to staff records.