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ESA Letter Hawaii

Hawaii ESA Laws: A Complete 2026 Guide (Housing, Travel & Workplace)

Athena Angela Gaffud, DVMWritten by: Athena Angela Gaffud, DVM - Updated:Feb 04, 2026
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If you rely on the presence of an emotional support animal (ESA) in Hawaii, you’re entitled to housing rights under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) when you obtain a legal ESA letter. However, this doesn’t mean that you’re entitled to the same rights service animals have, like unrestricted access to public places, and rights while traveling. It’s also important to note that Hawaii has a special law that cracks down on fake ESA letters and misrepresenting animals as service animals.

This guide breaks down Hawaii ESA laws in plain English, so you know what’s allowed, what’s risky, and how to do things the legit way.

Warning: Hawaii Law Makes Misrepresenting ESAs a Crime

Under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 347-2.6, it is a crime to:

  • Knowingly misrepresent an animal as a service animal when it doesn’t meet the legal definition
  • Lie about having a disability to obtain an assistance animal for housing purposes
  • Use fake ESA letters or misrepresent an emotional support animal as a service animal, which can result in fines between $250 and $2,000 or imprisonment for up to six months

Key Takeaways for Hawaii ESA Owners

  • Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) provides an emotional support animal strong housing protections: Hawaii residents with valid ESA letters have housing rights including exemption from pet fees, breed restrictions, and weight limits
  • No public access rights for ESAs: ESAs are not protected under Hawaii law or the ADA for public accommodations (restaurants, hotels, stores, transportation)
  • Strict animal quarantine requirements: All ESAs entering Hawaii must undergo quarantine like any other pet; service animals are exempt if they meet stringent vaccination and health inspection requirements
  • No registration or certification required: Only a valid Hawaii ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional is legally recognized; online ESA registrations and certifications are not valid
  • Civil penalties for service animal misrepresentation: Hawaii Revised Statutes § 347-2.6 (Act 217, SB2461): Effective January 1, 2019, knowingly misrepresenting an animal as a service animal carries fines of $100-$250 for first violation, and $500+ for second and subsequent violations
  • ESAs explicitly excluded from service animal definition: Hawaii law clearly states that animals whose sole function is to provide “companionship, comfort, or emotional support” do not qualify as service animals under state law or the ADA
  • Misrepresentation applies to both public access and housing: the statute was specifically designed to address fraudulent representation in restaurants, stores, and housing accommodations
  • Annual ESA letter renewal recommended: ESA letters should remain current (typically expire within 1-2 years) to maintain FHA housing protections

Note: Hawaii is one of the few states that explicitly addresses both service animal and ESA misrepresentation in housing contexts, making it one of the more comprehensive state laws protecting legitimate assistance animal users.

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What Is a Hawaii Emotional Support Animal?

In Hawaii, an emotional support animal is an animal that helps alleviate symptoms related to the owner’s mental health or emotional condition simply by being present. ESAs in Hawaii are not trained to carry out specific tasks for people with disabilities.

This means that:

  • Your ESA in Hawaii is treated as an “assistance animal” for housing purposes under the Fair Housing Act, not as a “pet.”
  • It does not automatically become a “service animal” with public-access rights just because it helps your mental health
  • Under federal ADA rules and Hawaii state law, service animals are dogs (or sometimes miniature horses) trained to do specific tasks. Emotional support alone doesn’t qualify

ESA vs. Service Dog in Hawaii (Quick Table)

FeatureEmotional Support AnimalService Dog
Main roleComfort / emotional supportSpecifically trained tasks
Training required?No special training requiredYes, individually trained
Key protection in HIHousing (FHA + Hawaii Fair Housing Law)Housing and public access
Public places (stores, etc.)Usually treated as a petMust generally be allowed under ADA
AirlinesTreated as a pet (as of 2021)Must be allowed as service animals
Housing pet feesNo pet fees for valid ESAsNo pet fees

How to Get a Legitimate Hawaii ESA Letter (Step-by-Step)

Listed below are the steps to get a valid Hawaii ESA letter. It is very important to follow them to make sure that your ESA will benefit from housing rights.

1. Work With a Licensed Professional

Your Hawaii ESA letter must:

  • Be in writing
  • Come from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) or other licensed healthcare provider who can diagnose and treat mental health conditions
  • Be based on direct knowledge of your disability and need for the animal
  • Describe your disability-related need for the assistance animal

While an ESA letter doesn’t have to be issued by a Hawaii-licensed professional, it’s recommended to work with someone licensed in Hawaii to avoid potential landlord rejection. Telehealth consultations are legal as long as they involve real assessments with a clinician, not a 60-second quiz or instant letter.

2. Make Sure Your ESA Letter Includes the Right Elements

A strong Hawaii ESA letter for housing typically:

  • States that you have a mental or emotional disability (no need to list specific diagnosis details)
  • Explains that the animal helps with your symptoms or functioning, and is necessary for you to use and enjoy your dwelling
  • Is in writing, on professional letterhead, signed and dated
  • Includes the clinician’s full name, license type, license number, and state of licensure
  • Shows that the provider has direct knowledge of you through ongoing treatment or a documented evaluation

3. Avoid “Letter Mills” and Misrepresentation Traps

Hawaii’s misrepresentation law was written specifically to deal with fake letters and fake ESAs. There are a variety of red flags to watch out for when accessing suspicious online ESA services:

  • Sites that promise a letter in minutes without any real evaluation
  • “Certificates,” “registries,” or “ID cards” are sold as if they were official government documents
  • Providers who never ask about your history, symptoms, or how the animal helps
  • Any suggestion to “just say you’re disabled” to qualify

Landlords in Hawaii can legally request valid ESA documentation and can deny housing to pet owners who are unable to produce legitimate documents. Hawaii’s law specifically allows fines of $250 to $2,000 for misrepresentation.

If you’re thinking, “Okay, but how do I actually find someone who will follow these rules so my landlord doesn’t just laugh at my letter?” CertaPet can help.

A good ESA platform in Hawaii should:

  • Match you with a licensed clinician who can legally treat Hawaii residents
  • Ensure you have a real evaluation, not just a yes/no checkbox
  • Provide documentation that stands up to scrutiny if your landlord, HOA, or condo board questions it

This is where CertaPet comes into play. We have a full staff of licensed clinicians in all 50 states, including Hawaii that will issue fully compliant letters.

Understanding Your Hawaii ESA Housing Rights

ESAs in Hawaii are protected under housing rights through:

What Landlords, HOAs, and Condo Boards Can and Cannot Do

The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission (HCRC) enforces housing discrimination laws. Under Hawaii law:

Housing providers must:

  • Make reasonable accommodations for people with compliant ESA letters
  • Waive existing pet policies, pet rent, pet fees, and pet deposits for ESAs
  • Allow ESAs regardless of breed or size restrictions (unless specific safety concerns exist)

You’re still responsible for:

  • Actual damage beyond normal wear and tear caused by the animal

When Can a Hawaii Landlord Say “No”?

Housing providers can deny an assistance-animal request if:

  • The animal poses a direct threat to others’ health or safety that cannot be reduced through reasonable steps
  • The animal would cause substantial property damage that cannot be avoided
  • Allowing the animal would impose an undue financial or administrative burden or fundamentally alter the provider’s operations
  • You don’t provide valid ESA documentation when legitimately requested

If you believe you’ve been wrongly denied, you can file a complaint with HCRC at https://labor.hawaii.gov/hcrc/ or with HUD.

Where Can You Take Your ESA in Hawaii? (Rules, Risks & Limits)

Public Places and Businesses

Under the ADA, ESAs in Hawaii do not have public access rights (stores, restaurants, hotels, etc.). Business owners can decide to allow ESAs on a case-by-case basis, and ESAs in Hawaii are permitted in any establishment that already implements pet-friendly policies.

Some Hawaii businesses and locations that are ESA-friendly include:

  • Kaka’ako Waterfront Park (O’ahu): A peaceful oceanfront park where leashed ESAs are welcome
  • Lanikai Beach: This tranquil beach allows early-morning walks with pets
  • Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Big Island): A luxury pet-friendly resort
  • Da Hi Brew Café (Kailua): Outdoor seating welcomes ESA dogs

Air Travel

As of January 2021, under the Air Carrier Access Act, ESAs are categorized as regular pets for air travel across all 50 states. This means that ESAs in Hawaii are subject to regular airfare fees and must travel in airline-approved pet carriers.

Important: Hawaiian Airlines and most major carriers no longer recognize ESAs as service animals. Your ESA will fly under pet policies, subject to associated fees.

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Public Transportation

Public bus systems in Hawaii, such as TheBus on O’ahu, typically only allow service animals on board. Emotional support animals are not recognized under transit policies. However, if your ESA is small, properly contained in a carrier, and does not pose a disruption, some transit authorities may permit travel under general pet policies.

Hawaii ESA Rules for the Workplace

According to the Federal ADA (Title I), only service animals are permitted in the workplace. ESAs in Hawaii do not have automatic access to workspaces, but you can request accommodations from your employer. An ESA owner who has a legal Hawaii ESA letter can discuss possible accommodations with their employer, and in some cases, the employer may decide to make an exception. Just remember that they’re legally not obligated to accept ESAs.

Hawaii’s Unique Animal Quarantine Requirements

This is a critical Hawaii-specific consideration: Hawaii is the only U.S. state with mandatory animal quarantine laws to maintain its rabies-free status.

ESAs Must Quarantine Like Regular Pets

Unlike service animals (which can avoid quarantine with proper documentation), emotional support animals entering Hawaii must undergo quarantine procedures just like regular pets. The standard quarantine period can be up to 120 days, but there is a “Direct Release” program that allows animals to enter with minimal quarantine (as short as 5 days or even immediate release) if strict requirements are met.

Direct Release Requirements

To qualify for Direct Release or reduced quarantine, your ESA must:

  • Have a current rabies vaccination
  • Have an electronic microchip implanted for identification
  • Have passed an OIE-FAVN rabies antibody test (after 12 months of age, with results showing 0.5 I.U. or greater)
  • Have a health certificate issued within 30 days prior to arrival
  • Be treated for ticks within 14 days of arrival
  • Enter through Honolulu International Airport on O’ahu (unless a valid Neighbor Island Inspection Permit has been issued)

Important: This process requires planning: documents must be submitted at least 30 days prior to arrival.

For more information, contact:

  • Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Animal Quarantine Station
  • Phone: (808) 483-7151 or (808) 837-8092
  • Email: rabiesfree@hawaii.gov
  • Address: 99-951 Hālawa Valley Street, ‘Aiea, HI 96701

Hawaii ESA Resources for Students in Campus Housing

ESAs in College and University Housing

Campus housing (dorms, university-owned apartments) is still housing, so the FHA and Hawaii fair-housing principles apply.

Many Hawaii colleges follow the same pattern:

University of Hawaii at Hilo permits emotional support animals in on-campus housing as accommodations, but ESAs are not allowed in other university buildings, including academic buildings and dining centers. Students must:

  • Indicate the request on their housing application
  • Contact Disability and Access Services (UDS) to request an ESA accommodation
  • Submit appropriate disability documentation
  • Receive formal approval by July 15th for the Fall semester or November 7th for the Spring semester

University of Hawaii at Manoa (KOKUA Program) requires students to:

  • Complete the Accessibility Services intake process
  • Request accommodation through the KOKUA Program
  • Provide documentation from a licensed mental health professional
  • ESAs are limited to the students’ on-campus residence and designated relief areas

Brigham Young University-Hawaii follows similar policies under the Fair Housing Act, requiring:

  • Advance approval through Disability Services
  • Proper documentation
  • Compliance with behavior and care requirements
  • ESAs are limited to assigned housing units

If you’re a student, expect this basic process:

  1. Contact your Accessibility/Disability Services office (not Housing first)
  2. Provide ESA documentation from a qualified provider
  3. Await approval and follow any rules (vaccines, cleanliness, where the animal can go, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord deny my ESA in Hawaii?

Yes, under specific conditions. A landlord, HOA, or condo board can deny if:

  • You don’t meet the disability standards
  • You refuse to provide compliant Hawaii ESA documentation when legitimately requested
  • The animal is dangerous, extremely disruptive, or would cause significant property damage
Can my landlord charge pet rent or a pet deposit for my ESA?

No. Pet rent, pet fees, and pet deposits must be waived for assistance animals (including ESAs). You’re still responsible for any actual damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Are there breed or weight limits for ESAs in Hawaii housing?

Breed or weight limits that apply to pets generally must be waived for ESAs, unless the landlord can show a specific safety or property risk associated with your animal. A blanket “no pit bulls” rule, by itself, is not a valid reason to deny a properly documented ESA.

Do I have to register my ESA with the state or get a special ID?

No. There is no official Hawaii ESA registry. Hawaii law and HUD guidance make clear that what matters in housing is a compliant Hawaii ESA letter from a provider with direct knowledge of your disability and need for the animal, not an ID tag or certificate.

Can I have more than one ESA in Hawaii?

Yes. HUD guidance acknowledges that some people may need more than one assistance animal, but you’ll need documentation that explains the disability-related need for each animal. Landlords have the right to consider whether multiple animals would create an undue burden, health/safety risk, or significant property damage.

Does my ESA need special training?

No, ESAs don’t need to undergo specialized task training. However, assistance animals must:

  • Be under your control
  • Be house-trained enough not to cause ongoing sanitation problems
  • Not be aggressive or dangerously out of control
Are ESAs allowed in Hawaii workplaces?

Not by default. Employers do not have a legal obligation to accommodate ESAs in Hawaii workplaces. You can still request an ESA as an accommodation, but your employer can legally say no if it’s not reasonable or if there are other workable accommodations.

Are ESAs allowed in Hawaii college dorms?

Generally, yes, when properly requested as a housing accommodation. Hawaii schools such as UH Hilo, UH Manoa, and BYU-Hawaii expressly treat ESAs as fair-housing accommodations in campus housing, requiring documentation and approval through the disability office. ESAs typically are not allowed in classrooms and other buildings the way service animals are.

What animals can be ESAs in Hawaii?

A variety of pets can serve as emotional support animals, as long as they provide comfort and support for mental or emotional disabilities. The most common ones are dogs and cats.

Does my ESA have to go through Hawaii's animal quarantine?

Yes. Unlike service animals (which may bypass quarantine with proper documentation), emotional support animals must undergo Hawaii’s standard quarantine procedures. Plan ahead; the Direct Release program requires documentation submitted at least 30 days before arrival.

What if I'm moving to Hawaii from another state with an existing ESA letter?

You may be able to use an ESA letter issued in another state temporarily, but it’s recommended to have your letter renewed by a Hawaii-licensed mental health professional to ensure continued protections and avoid potential landlord challenges.

What are the penalties for misrepresenting an ESA in Hawaii?

Knowingly misrepresenting an animal as a service animal or assistance animal can result in fines between $250 and $2,000, or imprisonment for up to six months under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 347-2.6.

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