Trust & Safety

People earning income from business activities in Hawaii, including services, generally need a General Excise Tax (GET) license and must meet applicable filing and payment requirements. Receiving payment directly rather than through CLEAN does not by itself remove tax obligations.

A GET license is a tax registration, not proof of cleaning qualifications, insurance or background screening.

The real working arrangement matters; a profile label or written agreement alone does not decide worker status. For Hawaii unemployment insurance, the statutory ABC test considers freedom from control, the business context of the service, and an independently established trade or business.

Other employment and tax laws may use different tests. A household or business engaging a cleaner should confirm the obligations that apply to its arrangement.

Covered domestic employees have wage and employment protections. Hawaii’s minimum wage is $16 per hour from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027; covered employees generally receive overtime after 40 hours in a workweek. Applicable exemptions and coverage must be checked.

Employers must also follow applicable pay-record and wage-payment rules. Hawaii extends employment-discrimination protections to domestic workers. Harassment and discriminatory treatment have no place in a cleaning arrangement.

Hawaii generally requires employers with one or more employees to provide workers’ compensation coverage, subject to statutory exclusions. DLIR lists specific domestic-worker exclusions, so coverage needs to be assessed for the actual arrangement.

Temporary disability insurance and prepaid health care obligations may also apply. Ask DLIR or an insurance professional about coverage; general liability insurance is a separate product and does not replace required employee coverage.

Employers covered by Hawaii occupational safety law must provide a safe workplace and comply with applicable standards. Hazardous chemicals can trigger training, labeling, safety-data-sheet and written hazard-communication requirements.

Before a visit, discuss products, ventilation, protective equipment, ladders and any unusual hazards. Confirm the work is within the cleaner’s training and equipment. HIOSH coverage depends on the employment setting.

Hawaii prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in trade or commerce. Describe services and qualifications accurately, support any insurance or licensing claims, and make prices, extras and cancellation terms clear before agreement.

Keep the written scope and any agreed changes. CLEAN’s visit plan helps record expectations; it does not establish that a service or provider meets every legal requirement.