EV Charger Permit in Hawaii County, Hawaii
Permit required
Yes, a permit is required
Before installing a hardwired charger or a new circuit or outlet for one.
Issued byCounty of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works, Building Division
By Mario Bailey, verified against official sources
Quick answer
Hawaiʻi County publishes no EV-charger rule; it is decided by the electrical permit requirement, which covers erecting or installing any electrical work. A new 240-volt circuit or hardwired charger therefore needs an electrical permit pulled by a licensed electrical contractor (or a homeowner holding a Hawaiʻi electrician license). Only a cord-and-plug portable appliance on an existing permitted receptacle falls within the portable-appliance exemption.
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When a permit is usually needed
Before installing a hardwired charger or a new circuit or outlet for one.
What an EV charger permit costs in Hawaii County
How to apply in Hawaii County
In Hawaii County, in most of the US, installing a Level 2 (240 volt) home EV charger is handled as an electrical permit built around a load calculation and a single line diagram showing the new dedicated circuit. A Level 1 charger that simply plugs into an existing 120 volt outlet typically needs no permit unless new wiring is added.
What most EV charger permit applications include:
- For Hawaii County, a Level 2 charger needs its own dedicated 240 volt circuit and requires an electrical permit with inspection, since each outlet installed for EV charging must be fed by an individual branch circuit with no other outlets on it (NEC 625.40).
- For Hawaii County, the application includes an electrical load calculation showing the existing service panel has enough spare capacity for the added EVSE demand, worked out using the standard dwelling load calculation method (NEC 220.83).
- For Hawaii County, the breaker or other overcurrent device feeding the charger must be sized for continuous duty, rated at not less than 125 percent of the equipment's maximum load (NEC 625.41).
- Plan submittal typically includes a single line diagram showing conductor size, breaker size, conduit, and panel rating, plus the charger's manufacturer specifications, since the EVSE itself must be a listed product (NEC 625.5).
- For charging equipment rated over 60 amps or over 150 volts to ground, the application has to show a disconnecting means installed in a readily accessible location and capable of being locked open (NEC 625.43).
- For Hawaii County, the charger must be shown connected and fastened in place according to the manufacturer's installation instructions, whether it is hardwired or a plug in unit on a dedicated receptacle (NEC 625.44).
General submittal guidance from National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), Article 625 Electric Vehicle Charging System and Article 220 Load Calculations, 2017 to 2023 editions. Source. County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works, Building Division sets the exact checklist for Hawaii County.
Where to apply in Hawaii County:
County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works, Building Division
- 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7 (Aupuni Center), Hilo, HI 96720; West Hawaii office: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Bldg E1 1st Floor, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, (808) 323-4720
- Phone: (808) 961-8331
- Email: cohbuild@hawaiicounty.gov
EV Charger Permit in Hawaii County compared with nearby Hawaii localities
| Locality | Permit needed? | Threshold | What each Hawaii schedule says | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii County | Permit required | Any size | ...Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0... | |
| Honolulu | Permit required | Any size | ...and materials, plus a plan review fee of 20% of the permit fee (maximum $25,000)... |
Inspections and closing out your permit
In Hawaii County, a Level 2 EV charger installation gets a rough wiring inspection if any new conductors will be hidden inside walls, ceilings, or run underground, then a final inspection that checks the dedicated circuit, breaker sizing, any required GFCI protection, the disconnect, and the charger's listing before the permit closes.
- In Hawaii County: if new EVSE conductors will be concealed in a wall or ceiling, or run underground, they must pass a rough wiring inspection before being covered, since that inspection confirms the dedicated branch circuit required for the charger (NEC 625.40).
- In Hawaii County: at final inspection, the breaker or other overcurrent device serving the charger is checked to confirm it is properly rated for the continuous EV charging load (NEC 625.41).
- In Hawaii County: any receptacle installed for EV charging, as opposed to a hardwired connection, has to be checked for ground fault circuit interrupter protection (NEC 625.54).
- In Hawaii County: where the EVSE is rated over 60 amps or 150 volts to ground, the inspector confirms a lockable, readily accessible disconnecting means was installed (NEC 625.43).
- In Hawaii County: the inspector verifies the charger, along with its fittings and associated equipment, carries a nationally recognized testing laboratory listing (NEC 625.5).
- In Hawaii County: mounting height is checked against the manufacturer's instructions, with the coupling means generally required to sit at least 18 inches above an indoor floor or 24 inches above outdoor grade unless the equipment is listed otherwise (NEC 625.50).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the Hawaii County permit portal or by phone at (808) 961-8331.
Inspection sequence from National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), Article 625 Electric Vehicle Charging System, 2017 to 2023 editions. Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your EV Charger Permit checklist for Hawaii County
- Confirm the requirement. Yes, a permit is required. Usually needed: Before installing a hardwired charger or a new circuit or outlet for one.
- Budget the fee. Hawaiʻi County Code section 5-7-3(b), "PERMIT FEES" table (Chapter 5 Construction Administrative Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0 to $500 | $10"; $501 to $2,000 is $10 for the first $500 plus $1.50 for each additional $100; $2,001 to $25,000 is $32.50 for the first $2,000 plus $7.50 per additional $1,000; $25,001 to $50,000 is $205 for the first $25,000 plus $6 per additional $1,000; $50,001 and up is $355 for the first $50,000 plus $3 per additional $1,000. A plan review fee of twenty percent of the permit fee, minimum $50, is added (section 5-7-1). Work begun without a permit pays $1,000 plus the fee, or double the fee, whichever is greater (5-7-3(d)). Official fee schedule.
- Apply. In Hawaii County, in most of the US, installing a Level 2 (240 volt) home EV charger is handled as an electrical permit built around a load calculation and a single line diagram showing the new dedicated circuit. A Level 1 charger that simply plugs into an existing 120 volt outlet typically needs no permit unless new wiring is added. Start at the Hawaii County permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works, Building Division. Phone: (808) 961-8331. Address: 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7 (Aupuni Center), Hilo, HI 96720; West Hawaii office: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Bldg E1 1st Floor, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, (808) 323-4720.
- Plan for inspections. In Hawaii County, a Level 2 EV charger installation gets a rough wiring inspection if any new conductors will be hidden inside walls, ceilings, or run underground, then a final inspection that checks the dedicated circuit, breaker sizing, any required GFCI protection, the disconnect, and the charger's listing before the permit closes.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked .
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need an EV charger permit in Hawaii County?
- Hawaiʻi County publishes no EV-charger rule; it is decided by the electrical permit requirement, which covers erecting or installing any electrical work. A new 240-volt circuit or hardwired charger therefore needs an electrical permit pulled by a licensed electrical contractor (or a homeowner holding a Hawaiʻi electrician license). Only a cord-and-plug portable appliance on an existing permitted receptacle falls within the portable-appliance exemption. Always confirm with the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works, Building Division before starting.
- How much does an EV charger permit cost in Hawaii County?
- Hawaiʻi County Code section 5-7-3(b), "PERMIT FEES" table (Chapter 5 Construction Administrative Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0 to $500 | $10"; $501 to $2,000 is $10 for the first $500 plus $1.50 for each additional $100; $2,001 to $25,000 is $32.50 for the first $2,000 plus $7.50 per additional $1,000; $25,001 to $50,000 is $205 for the first $25,000 plus $6 per additional $1,000; $50,001 and up is $355 for the first $50,000 plus $3 per additional $1,000. A plan review fee of twenty percent of the permit fee, minimum $50, is added (section 5-7-1). Work begun without a permit pays $1,000 plus the fee, or double the fee, whichever is greater (5-7-3(d)). See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- Where do you apply for an EV charger permit in Hawaii County?
- You can apply through the Hawaii County permit portal or contact the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works, Building Division directly. The links are listed on this page.
- Can a homeowner pull an EV charger permit themselves in Hawaii County?
- Under Hawaii law (HRS 444-2(7), 444-2.5, 444-9.1, 444-23(e)): Hawaii lets owners or lessees build or improve residential or farm buildings for their own use, or for use by their grandparents, parents, siblings, or children, without a contractor's license, as long as the building is not offered for sale or lease. The owner must register for the exemption with the county when applying for the building permit, supervise the work, hire licensed subcontractors for any licensed work, and use licensed electricians and plumbers for electrical and plumbing work unless the owner holds that license. Selling or leasing the structure within one year after final county inspection is treated as evidence it was built for sale, unless the permit valuation was under $10,000, the buyer is the owner's employee, or the Contractors License Board finds an unforeseen hardship. A violation carries a fine of up to $5,000 or 50% of the permitted construction value, whichever is greater, for a first offense, and bars the owner from the exemption for three years. Confirm how Hawaii County applies this before you apply.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in Hawaii County
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule that applies here.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom Remodel Permit | It depends | When the remodel moves or replaces pipes or valves, adds wiring, or alters walls or... | ...Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0... |
| Deck Permit | It depends | height of a detached deck or platform; an attached deck is not exempt | $10 per 100 sq. ft. or fraction thereof." Plan review fee of twenty percent of the... |
| Electrical Permit | It depends | Before any new wiring, circuit, service change or rewiring | ...Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0... |
| Fence Permit | It depends | height of a fence; retaining walls follow a separate four foot rule | ...Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0... |
| HVAC Permit | It depends | Before installing, removing, altering, repairing or converting any heating, ventilation... | ...Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0... |
| Plumbing Permit | It depends | Before replacing or rearranging any pipe or valve, adding fixtures, or any gas, water... | ...Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0... |
| Pool Permit | It depends | water features and swimming pools at one and two-family dwellings | ...Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0... |
| Roof Replacement Permit | It depends | When the new roof uses a different material, or the work affects structural components | ...Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0... |
| Shed Permit | It depends | floor area of a detached one-story accessory structure on residential zoned land; 1,000 sq ft on agricultural zoned land, 15 feet height limit, 10 feet from property line | $10 per 100 sq. ft. or fraction thereof." Plan review fee of twenty percent of the... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0... |
| Water Heater Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0... |
EV Charger Permit in other Hawaii localities
Everything above, sourced
Code references
National and state model-code sections the general guidance on this page is drawn from. They are not Hawaii County documents; the office above sets the local rules.
How this EV charger permit page for Hawaii County was verified. 2 official sources: hawaii-county-public-works-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com, hawaii-county-public-works-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com; fee schedule: official document. Last checked by Mario Bailey, not confirmed with County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works, Building Division. Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: Report an error on this page
Compare EV Charger Permit requirements across Hawaii localities