Opening a restaurant in the state of Hawaii requires several permits and licenses. These include a Food Establishment Permit, a Support Kitchen Use Agreement (if applicable), and a Special Event Food Establishment permit (if applicable). The application process and fees for these permits vary depending on the location and size of your establishment, as well as the risk category of the establishment.
1. Food Establishment Permit
- Purpose: This permit is required for operating a restaurant, bar, caterer, market, convenience store, lunch-wagon, push cart, or other types of “permanent” food establishments. It ensures compliance with the requirements of Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 11, Chapter 50, “Food Safety Code”.
- Estimated Cost: For a small restaurant (≤1,000 sq. ft.), the permit fee ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the risk category. For a large restaurant (>1,000 sq. ft.), the permit fee ranges from $200 to $400 depending on the risk category.
- How to Register: You can apply for this permit at the Hawaii Government website. The application forms for different regions can be found on the same page.
2. Support Kitchen Use Agreement
- Purpose: This agreement is required if your food establishment provides facilities or services in support of another food establishment. The operations that can be conducted in the support kitchen include cold storage, dry storage, food preparation, cleaning/sanitizing of equipment and utensils, servicing water systems, and others as listed.
- How to Register: The form for this agreement can be found on the Hawaii Government website.
3. Special Event Food Establishment Permit
- Purpose: This permit is required if you plan to hold a food sale such as a farmers market, fundraiser, craft fair, carnival, food show, or other event at a single location.
- How to Register: Guidelines for this permit can be found on the Hawaii Government website.
4. Public Swimming Pool Permit
- Purpose: This permit is required if your establishment includes a public swimming pool.
- How to Register: You can apply for this permit on the Hawaii Government website.
5. Tattoo Shop Permit
- Purpose: This permit is required if your establishment includes a tattoo shop.
- How to Register: You can apply for this permit on the Hawaii Government website.
For more information, you can contact the Hawaii Department of Health Info Line at 808-586-4400 or via email. Please note that the information provided is up-to-date as of 2024.
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