After 27 years, legislation was passed increasing the handyman exemption from $1,000 to $1,500. The handyman exemption enables persons other than licensed contractors to perform tasks for which the aggregate contract price is less than $1,500. However this does not apply to projects which require a building permit or electrical or plumbing work.
Also, the handyman exemption will only apply to labor and materials. “Taxes and all other items” was removed, so the General Excise Tax will no longer be included as part of the $1,500 exemption. The increased handyman exemption amount is effective as of July 10, 2019 and was enacted without the Governor's signature.
Article courtesy of Hawaii Association of Realtors(R)