This guide is designed to help prospective aquaculture projects have a better understanding of the Hawaii permitting process, and is not a legal document. Further, the guide book should not be relied on exclusively to determine a project’s legal and permitting responsibilities. Some permits and licenses not included in this guide may be necessary to site, build, and operate a particular project.

The Department of Agriculture (DOA) and the State of Hawaii are not responsible for delays or losses caused by the permit processing and approval experience should it differ from that written in this guide book. Additionally, this guidebook is not meant to be a substitute for hiring professional permitting assistance should the scope and complexity of any specific project warrant it.

The DOA recommends that each aquaculture project carefully assess the need to hire a professional consultant familiar with these federal, state and county permits to assist in the process. Further, the DOA also strongly recommends contacting the relevant permitting agencies early in the project planning process to begin discussions of the information requirements for the proposed site, production technology and species chosen.