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Key Takeaways

  • Hawaii real estate licenses require 20 hours of continuing education every 2-year renewal period
  • Mandatory CE topics include fair housing, ethics, and Hawaii law updates
  • License renewal requires completion of CE before the birthday expiration date
  • HREC can suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew licenses for violations
  • The Recovery Fund pays up to \$25,000 per transaction and \$75,000 aggregate per licensee
Last updated: January 2026

License Maintenance and Discipline

Hawaii real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.

Continuing Education Requirements

CE Hours

RequirementHours
Total per renewal20 hours
Renewal periodEvery 2 years
DeadlineBefore birthday in even-numbered years

Mandatory Topics

HREC requires specific topics be covered in CE:

TopicDescription
Core courseHREC-designated mandatory content
Fair housingFederal and state fair housing laws
EthicsProfessional standards and conduct
License lawHRS Chapter 467 updates
Condominium lawHRS Chapter 514B

Elective Courses

Remaining hours may cover:

  • Property management
  • Commercial real estate
  • Appraisal concepts
  • Marketing and technology
  • Specialty topics

License Renewal

Renewal Process

StepAction
1Complete 20 hours CE
2Submit renewal application
3Pay renewal fees
4Certify completion of CE

Renewal Fees

Fee TypeAmount
License renewal~$80
Recovery fund~$10
Late fee (if applicable)Additional fees

Late Renewal

StatusTime FrameAction Required
ActiveBefore birthdayRenew on time
Grace period0-90 days afterComplete CE, pay late fees
Forfeited90+ days afterMust reapply, may need to retest

Disciplinary Procedures

Investigation Process

  1. Complaint filed with Real Estate Branch
  2. Preliminary investigation by staff
  3. Review by HREC for probable cause
  4. Formal complaint filed (if cause found)
  5. Hearing before HREC or hearings officer
  6. Final order issued by HREC

Grounds for Discipline

Common violations that lead to discipline:

ViolationDescription
MisrepresentationFalse statements about property
FraudIntentional deception
ComminglingMixing personal and trust funds
Failure to accountNot properly handling funds
Unlicensed activityActing beyond scope
Violation of rulesBreaking HREC regulations
Criminal convictionCrimes involving moral turpitude

Penalties Available

PenaltyDescription
ReprimandFormal warning on record
FineUp to $500 per violation (individual)
ProbationSupervised practice
SuspensionTemporary license removal
RevocationPermanent license loss
Refusal to renewDeny license renewal

Real Estate Recovery Fund

Purpose

Compensates consumers harmed by licensee misconduct when:

  • Licensee commits fraud, misrepresentation, or breach
  • Consumer obtains court judgment
  • Consumer cannot collect from licensee

Limits

LimitAmount
Per transaction$25,000
Per licensee (aggregate)$75,000

Effect on License

After fund payment:

  • License automatically suspended
  • Must repay fund plus interest
  • Cannot reinstate until full repayment
  • Repeated claims may result in revocation

Record Keeping Requirements

Brokers must maintain records for:

Record TypeRetention Period
Transaction files3 years after closing
Trust account records3 years
Listing agreements3 years after expiration
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Hawaii License Renewal and Discipline
Test Your Knowledge

How many hours of continuing education are required for Hawaii license renewal?

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Test Your Knowledge

What is the maximum amount the Hawaii Real Estate Recovery Fund will pay per transaction?

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