To open a food truck, or a Mobile Food Establishment (Mobile FE), in the state of Hawaii, you are required to obtain a Food Establishment Permit for both the Mobile FE and the Support Kitchen. The Support Kitchen is a separate food establishment that supports the operation of the Mobile FE. If the owner of the Mobile FE is not the owner of the Support Kitchen, a 'Support Kitchen Use Agreement' form must be submitted. The permit fee for both is based on the operations conducted at the Support Kitchen and on the Mobile FE. The application process may vary depending on the location of your food truck.
1. Food Establishment Permit for Mobile Food Establishment
- Purpose: This permit is required to operate a food truck in Hawaii. It ensures that your food truck complies with the requirements of Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 11, Chapter 50, 'Food Safety Code'.
- Estimated Cost: The permit fee varies based on the risk category: $300 for category 1, $200 for category 2, and $100 for category 3.
- How to Register: You can apply for this permit through the respective links based on your location: OAHU, HILO, KONA, MAUI/MOLOKAI, KAUAI.
2. Food Establishment Permit for Support Kitchen
- Purpose: This permit is required if your food truck operation requires a support kitchen. The support kitchen provides facilities or services in 'support' of the food truck.
- Estimated Cost: The permit fee is based on the operations conducted at the Support Kitchen.
- How to Register: You can apply for this permit at the Hawaii State Department of Health website..
3. Support Kitchen Use Agreement
- Purpose: This agreement is required if the owner of the Mobile FE is not the owner of the Support Kitchen. It details the operations conducted at the Support Kitchen and the days & time of usage.
- How to Register: The form for this agreement can be at the Hawaii State Department of Health website.
For more information, you can visit the Hawaii Department of Health website or contact the Info Line at 808-586-4400.
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