PE stamp in Hawaii: the state code, county adoption, and the authentication block

When a Hawaii PE stamp is required

The Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects, in the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, licenses engineers by branch under HRS chapter 464 and HAR chapter 16-115. HAR 16-115-9 requires all plans, specifications, reports, and every sheet in a set of design drawings prepared by or under the supervision of a licensee to be stamped when filed with public officials. The rules list sealing a document the licensee did not prepare or supervise, known as plan stamping, as misconduct. The project address controls the license.

Permits involving public safety or health add a second statement. The plans carry the seal of the licensee charged with observation of construction and the words “Construction of this project will be under my observation.” When one licensee handles both design and observation, a combined statement is used. AllInStamp matches a Hawaii licensee in the right branch and verifies the license before sealing.

The State Building Code Council and county building departments

The State Building Code Council adopts the Hawaii State Building Code, and each county then amends and adopts it by ordinance. The council lists the State Building Code as based on the 2018 IBC and the State Residential Code on the 2018 IRC. The state code was adopted April 20, 2021. Honolulu adopts it through Chapter 16 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu with local amendments, including articles on residential safe rooms and enhanced hurricane protection for state- and city-owned high occupancy buildings.

Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting reviews building permits on Oahu. Hawaii County, Maui County, and Kauai County each run their own building divisions and local amendments. Wind and hurricane design, flood zones, and seismic hazard on the island of Hawaii all affect the structural notes. Name the county so the sheets cite the code and amendments that office enforces.

The seal under HAR 16-115-8 and the authentication block

The seal is two concentric circles, an inner circle 1-1/8 inches in diameter inside an outer circle 1-1/2 inches in diameter. The licensee’s name and “Hawaii, U.S.A.” go in the outer ring. The center shows “Licensed Professional Engineer,” the license number, and the branch abbreviation, such as “C.” for civil, “S.” for structural, “M.” for mechanical, or “E.” for electrical. An engineer licensed in more than one branch has a seal for each branch.

Below the seal, the authentication states “This work was prepared by me or under my supervision,” followed by the licensee’s signature and the license expiration date. Engineering licenses expire April 30 of each even-numbered year. Since the September 22, 2023 rule amendments, a digital signature is acceptable in place of an original signature. Rubber signature stamps and other facsimile signatures are prohibited.

How to get a Hawaii set sealed

Upload the PDF plan set and calculations, name the county, and say whether the permit needs a construction observation statement. Include the wind, flood, and seismic criteria the design used. Out-of-state drawings can be reviewed, and the seal is applied only by a Hawaii licensee who prepared or supervised the work.

Start a new quote with Hawaii prefilled. Intake typically responds within 24–48 hours. Stamp turnaround then follows page count and whether rush service is selected.

FAQ

What has to appear below a Hawaii seal?

The statement “This work was prepared by me or under my supervision,” the licensee’s signature, and the license expiration date. Permits involving public safety or health may also need the construction observation statement.

Does Hawaii accept digital signatures on sealed drawings?

Yes. Since the September 2023 amendments, HAR 16-115-9 accepts an original or a digital signature. Rubber signature stamps and other facsimile signatures are not allowed.

Can a PE licensed in another state stamp Hawaii drawings?

No. Drawings filed with Hawaii public officials carry a Hawaii licensee’s seal. Engineers licensed in another state can apply to the board for licensure by endorsement. AllInStamp routes Hawaii jobs to Hawaii licensees.