We’ve got a free, downloadable “do it yourself” kit you can use. In other words, the price you pay to purchase equals “zero.” That kit provides more information about LLCs and includes a couple of free LLC operating agreements. (We used to sell the kit but since the Covid-19 pandemic have simply given the kit away.)
If you just need a little help with getting the paperwork filed, check out these free instructions:
(These instructions are up-to-date as of July 27, 2020.)
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.
https://files.hawaii.gov/dcca/breg/registration/forms/llc-1.pdf
Hawaii also has an e-filing option which is the same price. It is straightforward and efficient. It may also result in a faster turnaround time than the mailed-in version.
https://hbe.ehawaii.gov/BizEx/home.eb
Both forms of filing ask for the same information and follow roughly the same format. For purposes of simplicity, these instructions are for the first version (download and print) but can be used for either version.
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
You can also choose to email or fax filings (accompanied with the credit card information).
Note: Paper filings of the application must be typewritten or printed and signed in BLACK INK.
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.