Intercom System Permit Requirements in Hawaii

Does Hawaii require permits for intercom installation? Here's what contractors need to know about licensing through the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), permits, and exemptions for intercom systems in the Aloha State.

State Licensing Requirements

Hawaii has comprehensive regulation of low voltage work through the DCCA Contractors License Board. The state requires specific licensing for low voltage systems contractors.

Low Voltage Systems (LVS) License

The Hawaii LVS contractor license covers:

• Intercom and paging systems
• Access control systems
• Fire alarm systems
• Video surveillance (CCTV)
• Burglar alarm systems
• Structured cabling and data systems
• Audio/video systems
• Nurse call systems

License Requirements

To obtain a Hawaii LVS license:

1. Experience: 4 years of experience in low voltage systems
2. Age: Must be at least 18 years old
3. Examination: Pass the Hawaii LVS contractor exam
4. Financial: Submit financial statements and credit reports
5. RME: Designate a Responsible Managing Employee
6. Tax clearance: Obtain Hawaii tax clearance
7. Insurance: Workers' compensation (if employees)

Examination

The Hawaii LVS exam covers:

• National Electrical Code (NEC)
• Hawaii Electrical Code
• Hawaii Administrative Rules for low voltage
• Installation practices and standards

The exam is open book and based on the current NEC edition (2020 NEC as of 2026).

Exemptions

The following may be exempt from LVS licensing:

• Homeowners working on their own residence
• Wireless/plug-in intercom devices
• Work performed by licensed electrical contractors (C-13)
• Federal government work on federal property

When Permits ARE Required

Hawaii permit requirements vary by county:

Scenario	State License?	Local Permit?	Notes
Residential video doorbell	Usually No	No	Wireless devices exempt
Residential hardwired intercom	Yes (LVS)	Check county	License required
Condo/apartment intercom	Yes	Usually Yes	Commercial rules apply
Commercial building	Yes	Yes	Permit required in all counties
New construction	Yes	Yes	Part of overall building permit

Hawaii's Counties

Hawaii has four counties with varying permit requirements:

City & County of Honolulu (Oahu)

The most populous area with the most developed permit system. The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) handles building permits. Commercial low voltage work requires permits. Residential may require permits depending on scope. Oahu has high demand for high-rise and commercial intercom systems.

Maui County

Includes Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. The Department of Public Works handles permits. Resort and commercial development creates strong intercom demand. Luxury residential market is significant. Contact Maui County for specific permit requirements.

Hawaii County (Big Island)

The Department of Public Works Building Division handles permits. Growing market with new resort and residential development. Kona side has more commercial development. Hilo side has government and institutional work.

Kauai County

The Department of Public Works handles permits. Smaller market but active resort industry. Residential and commercial intercom work available. Contact county for permit requirements.

Commercial vs Residential

Residential Intercom

• LVS license required for contractor work
• Local permits may or may not be required (varies by county)
• Homeowners may install in their own residence
• New construction requires inclusion in building permit
• Condo buildings are treated as commercial

Commercial Intercom

• LVS license required
• Building permits required in all counties
• Plan review may be required for large installations
• Hotel and resort work is significant market
• High-rise buildings have specific requirements
• Hospital and healthcare intercoms follow specific codes

License Application Process

Steps to Obtain LVS License

1. Verify experience: Document 4 years in low voltage work
2. Prepare financial documents: Financial statements, credit reports
3. Obtain tax clearance: From Hawaii Department of Taxation
4. Designate RME: Responsible Managing Employee
5. Apply for exam: Through DCCA Contractors License Board
6. Pass examination: Open book NEC/Hawaii code exam
7. Submit application: With all required documents
8. Pay fees: Application and license fees

RME Requirements

The Responsible Managing Employee (RME) must:

• Have qualifying experience
• Pass the LVS exam
• Be actively engaged in the business
• Be responsible for company's licensing compliance

No Reciprocity

Hawaii does NOT have reciprocity agreements with any other states. Out-of-state contractors must obtain Hawaii LVS licensing before working in the state.

Hawaii-Specific Considerations

Climate

Hawaii's tropical climate affects installations:

• High humidity requires corrosion-resistant equipment
• Salt air near coast accelerates corrosion
• UV exposure is intense—protect outdoor components
• Rain and moisture protection essential

Island Logistics

Working in Hawaii presents unique challenges:

• Equipment shipping adds time and cost
• Inter-island travel for neighbor island work
• Limited local suppliers—plan ahead
• Parts availability can delay projects

Building Types

Common Hawaii intercom applications:

• High-rise condominiums (significant market)
• Hotels and resorts
• Gated communities
• Multi-family housing
• Commercial buildings

Installation Best Practices

1. Verify LVS license: Ensure your license is current
2. Check county permits: Contact local building department
3. Specify marine-grade: Use corrosion-resistant equipment
4. Weather protection: Ensure outdoor components are properly sealed
5. Follow NEC: All installations must comply with Article 725
6. Plan for logistics: Order equipment well in advance

Related Permits You May Need

• Access Control Permits in Hawaii
• Security Camera Permits in Hawaii
• Burglar Alarm Permits in Hawaii
• Fire Alarm Permits in Hawaii

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to install intercoms in Hawaii?

Yes. Hawaii requires a Low Voltage Systems (LVS) contractor license from DCCA for most intercom installation work. This is one of the more comprehensive state licensing requirements in the country.

Can I use my mainland license in Hawaii?

No. Hawaii does not have reciprocity with any other states. You must obtain a Hawaii LVS license to work in the state, regardless of credentials elsewhere.

How long does it take to get licensed in Hawaii?

Plan for 2-3 months minimum. The process includes gathering documentation, applying for the exam, passing the exam, and completing the license application. Tax clearance and financial requirements can add time.

Are there different licenses for each island?

No. The Hawaii LVS license is statewide. However, building permits are handled at the county level, so you'll work with different departments on each island.

Find Intercom Projects in Hawaii

Looking for intercom installation opportunities in Hawaii? LVN Signal tracks construction permits and bids across Hawaii, alerting you to projects the moment they're filed.

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Last updated: February 2026. Requirements may change. Always verify with the DCCA Contractors License Board and county building departments before beginning work.