Honolulu
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Honolulu
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Honolulu
In Honolulu, Hawaii, food trucks are required to obtain the following permits to operate:
Mobile Food Vendor License: Issued by the City and County of Honolulu, this license is required to legally operate a food truck within the city.
Health Permit: A health inspection conducted by the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) ensures that the food truck meets local sanitation and food safety standards.
Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET) License: This license is required for collecting sales tax on food items sold from the truck, issued by the State of Hawaii Department of Taxation.
Commissary Kitchen: Food trucks must prepare and store food in a licensed commissary kitchen.
Steps for Obtaining Permits:
Submit a Mobile Food Vendor application to the City and County of Honolulu.
Schedule and pass a health inspection by the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH).
Provide proof of using a licensed commissary kitchen.
Obtain a Hawaii General Excise Tax License.
Schedule a fire safety inspection if cooking equipment is used in the truck.
Unique Conditions: Honolulu has zoning and location-based restrictions. Food trucks cannot operate in certain areas, especially around schools, parks, and other restricted zones. Special permits are needed to operate in high-traffic areas or during special events.
Cost of Business Permit
$400
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Honolulu
Inspections: Food trucks must undergo an annual health inspection by the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH). The inspection covers food handling, sanitation, and equipment standards, including refrigeration and cooking appliances.
Food Safety Certifications: Operators must complete an approved food safety certification course before applying for the Mobile Food Vendor License.
Truck-Specific Requirements:
A handwashing station with hot and cold running water must be available in the truck.
Waste disposal systems, including grease traps and sewage disposal, must be in place.
Food must be prepared and stored in a licensed commissary kitchen.
Food trucks must maintain proper temperature controls for hot and cold food storage.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Honolulu
Food trucks are permitted to operate from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday., with potential for extended hours during special events or in certain high-traffic districts.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Honolulu
Food trucks using cooking equipment such as grills, fryers, or propane must undergo a fire safety inspection by the Honolulu Fire Department. Trucks are required to have fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, and proper ventilation systems. A fire safety certificate is required before operating.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Honolulu
Food trucks must adhere to Honolulu’s zoning laws, which restrict operations near schools, residential areas, and parks.
Trucks must comply with the city's noise ordinances, especially during night operations.
Special permits are required for food trucks operating at events, fairs, or festivals.
The city encourages food trucks to apply for event-specific permits when participating in large gatherings.
The information on this page is collected through collaboration with local food truck owners and occasional voluntary submissions from local government and health officials. Food Truck Profit is not a government agency and cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information. All food truck owners are strongly encouraged to consult directly with local government officials, including fire and health departments, to ensure compliance with all regulations. Food Truck Profit assumes no liability for errors or omissions in the content provided.
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