E-Verify Requirements in Hawaii: 2026 Employer Guide

Hawaii has no state E-Verify mandate. Participation is voluntary for private and public employers. All employers must comply with federal I-9 requirements.

Voluntary — No State Mandate

Researched by the I9AuditReady Research Team

Last Updated: April 2026

Hawaii E-Verify at a Glance

Requirement Level: Voluntary — No State Mandate
Applies To: No state mandate — voluntary participation only
Employee Threshold: No state mandate
Key Statute: No applicable state statute
Effective Date: No mandate in effect

Does Hawaii Require E-Verify?

Hawaii has no state E-Verify mandate. Employers may participate voluntarily.

Hawaii has no state E-Verify mandate. Participation is voluntary for private and public employers. All employers must comply with federal I-9 requirements.

Even without a state mandate, all Hawaii employers must complete Form I-9 for every new hire under federal law (INA § 274A). Federal contractors with contracts over $100,000 must use E-Verify under FAR 22.1803. Employers may also voluntarily enroll in E-Verify through USCIS at no cost.

Key Facts: E-Verify in Hawaii

Hawaii has no state E-Verify mandate as of 2026.
Hawaii's workforce is heavily concentrated in hospitality and tourism, industries subject to frequent ICE worksite enforcement nationally.
Federal I-9 audits can target any employer nationwide. Hawaii employers received I-9 Notices of Inspection in past ICE enforcement operations.

Hawaii E-Verify: Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hawaii require E-Verify?

No. Hawaii does not require private or public employers to use E-Verify. Participation is entirely voluntary. All Hawaii employers must complete Form I-9 for every new hire under federal law (INA § 274A).

Can Hawaii employers voluntarily use E-Verify?

Yes. Any Hawaii employer may enroll in E-Verify through USCIS at no cost. If you choose to use E-Verify, you must apply it consistently to all new hires without discrimination based on national origin, citizenship, or immigration status.

What are I-9 record retention requirements for Hawaii employers?

Hawaii employers must retain I-9 forms for 3 years from the hire date or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later. During an ICE audit, employers have 3 business days to produce requested I-9 records.

Are federal contractors in Hawaii required to use E-Verify?

Yes. Federal contractors in Hawaii with contracts over $100,000 must use E-Verify for all new hires and existing employees assigned to covered contracts under FAR 22.1803.

Nearby State Requirements

California(Voluntary)Washington(Voluntary)Oregon(Voluntary)Alaska(Voluntary)

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