Forming a Hawaii limited liability company

If you need assistance with forming an LLC in Hawaii and would like some information on the pros and cons of this entity type, sample operating agreements, and instructions on getting an EIN for tax and banking purposes, you can purchase and immediately download our Hawaii kit for $34.95 using the button below.

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If you just need a little help with getting the paperwork filed, check out these free instructions:

1. Check if the LLC name you want is available

As a first step, you may want to check if the LLC name you want to use is even available. Here’s an easy and free way to do this: You can search for a similarly named LLC using the Hawaii online database at:

http://hbe.ehawaii.gov/cogs/search.html;jsessionid=BECFA0FA0D77395097D7E0E99BF5FF18

Although not necessary, you can reserve a name for 120 days by filling out a form and paying a $10 fee.

2. Download the application to form an LLC from the Hawaii Department of Commerce’s web site, and then print this form

Your other option is to fill-out the form online and then print as we have done.

The URL, or web page address, for this form is as shown below.

http://www.hawaii.gov/dcca/breg/registration/forms/llc-1.pdf

3. Identify the name you want to use for your new LLC

Enter your business or investment name onto the lines provided. (I used the example name, “Island Explosives LLC.”) The name must include “Limited Liability Company” or one of the standard abbreviations, “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” Limited may be abbreviated as Ltd., and Company may be abbreviated as Co. For example, all of the following names should be acceptable:

• Island Explosives Limited Liability Company
• Island Explosives Ltd. Liability Company
• Island Explosives Limited Liability Co.
• Island Explosives Ltd. Liability Co.
• Island Explosives LLC
• Island Explosives L.L.C.

4. Indicate the address where the LLC office is located

State the mailing address (including city, state, and zip code) of the company’s initial principal office.

5. Provide your name and address as the registered agent

State the name of the company’s registered agent and the complete street address (including number, street, city, state, and zip code) of its registered office in the State of Hawaii. The agent may be an individual resident of Hawaii, a domestic entity, or a foreign entity authorized to transact business or conduct affairs in the State of Hawaii,
whose business office is identical with the registered office. If the agent is an entity, list the state or country in which it was incorporated, formed or organized. The agent’s business office shall be identical to the company’s registered office.

6. Identify yourself as the LLC organizer

State the name and complete street address (including number, street, city, state, and zip code) of each organizer of the company.

7. State the length of time the LLC shall be organized

Check whether the period of duration of the company is at-will or for a specified term. Enter the expiration date if duration is for a specified term.

8. State the management style of the LLC

Check whether the company is manager-managed or member-managed. State the names and complete addresses of either the initial managers if manager-managed or the initial members if member-managed. If manager-managed, state the number of initial members.

9. State the liability of the members

Check whether the members are liable or not liable for the debts, obligations, and liabilities of the company.

10. Submit the application

After you complete the Articles of Organization document mail the document and a check for $50 to:

State of Hawaii

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Business Registration Division

P.O. Box 40

Honolulu, Hawaii 96810

Courier or personal delivery address:

335 Merchant Street

Honolulu, Hawaii 96810

Processing lead times vary, but in general, it takes several weeks to get your LLC certificate back from the Secretary of State’s office. You can expedite this process by paying a $25 fee.