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Hawaii Corporation

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BY-LAWS OF CORPORATION

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING

Example: _____________________________[1] will become JOHN DOE.

ARTICLE ONE

The full name of the corporation must be provided at the top of the page and in Article I, Section 1 of the bylaws.

Field [1] - Name of Corporation

The address of the principal office and registered office must be provided in Article I, Section 2 of the bylaws. This can be the same address.

Field [2] - Address of the Principal Office of Corporation

Field [3] - City that the Principal Office is located

Field [4] - City that the Registered Office is located

ARTICLE TWO

An annual meeting date must be scheduled and set out under Article II, Section 1 with a year for the first meeting after the organization meeting.

Field [5] - Year

ARTICLE THREE

At least one director should be provided for in Article III, Section 2.

Field [6] - Spelled out number of directors. Ex. Three

Field [7] - Number form of the number of directors. Ex. 3

ARTICLE FOUR

In Article IV, Section 1, you must name the officers, such as President, Vice-President and Secretary-Treasurer.

Field [8] - Name who will be the officers of the corporation.

Once you have completed the Bylaws, double check all entries and then print. You should keep these Bylaws in a safe place.

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BY-LAWS

OF

ARTICLE I. NAME AND LOCATION

SECTION 1. The name of this corporation shall be

SECTION 2. The Principal office of the corporation in the State of Hawaii shall be , HI and its initial registered office in the State of Hawaii shall be at , Hawaii.

The corporation may have such other offices, either within or without the State of Hawaii as the Board of Directors may designate or as the business of the corporation may require from time to time.

ARTICLE II. SHAREHOLDERS

SECTION 1. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the shareholders shall be held on the second Tuesday of the month of December in each year, beginning with the year at the time designated by the Board of Directors, for the purpose of electing Directors and for the transaction of such other business as may come before the meeting.

SECTION 2. Special Meeting. Special meetings of the shareholders, for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute, may be called by resolution of the Board of Directors or by the President at the request of the holders of not less than a majority of all the outstanding shares of the corporation entitled to vote on any issue proposed to be considered at the meeting, provided said shareholders sign, date and deliver to the corporate secretary one or more written demands for the meeting describing the purpose or purposes for which it is to be held. Only business within the purpose or purposes described in the meeting notice required by Article II, Section 5 of these By-Laws may be conducted at a special shareholders meeting. In addition, such meeting may be held at any time without call or notice upon unanimous consent of shareholders.

SECTION 3. Place of Meeting. The Board of Directors may designate any place, either within or without the State of Hawaii unless otherwise prescribed by statute as the place of meeting for any annual meeting or for any special meeting of shareholders. A waiver of notice signed by all shareholders entitled to vote at a meeting may designate any place, either within or without the State of Hawaii, unless otherwise prescribed by statute, as the place for the holding of such meeting. If no designation is made, or if a special meeting be otherwise called, the place of meeting shall be the principal office of the corporation in the State of Hawaii.

SECTION 4. Notice of Meeting. Written or printed notice stating the place, day and hour of the meeting shall be delivered not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting, either personally or by mail, by or at the direction of the President, or the Secretary, or the officer or persons calling the meeting, to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting.

SECTION 5. Closing of Transfer Books or Fixing of Record Date. For the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of shareholders or any adjournment thereof, or shareholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or in order to make a determination of shareholders for any other proper purpose, the Board of Directors of the corporation may provide that the stock transfer books shall be closed for a stated period but not to exceed, in any case, seventy (70) days.

SECTION 6. Shareholders' List. After fixing a record date, the officer or agent having charge of the share ledger of the corporation shall prepare an alphabetical list of all persons entitled to notice and to represent shares at such meeting, or any adjournment thereof, and said list shall be arranged by voting group and shall show the address of and the number of shares held by each shareholder or representative.

SECTION 7. Quorum. A majority of the outstanding shares of the corporation entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of shareholders.

SECTION 8. Proxies. At all meetings of shareholders, a shareholder may vote by proxy executed in writing by the shareholder or by his duly authorized attorney-in-fact. Such proxy shall be filed with the Secretary of the corporation before or at the time of the meeting.

SECTION 9. Voting of Shares. Subject to the provisions of Section 12 of this Article II, each outstanding share entitled to vote shall be entitled to one vote upon each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of shareholders.

SECTION 10. Voting of Share by Certain Holders. Shares standing in the name of another corporation may be voted by such officer, agent or proxy as the By-Laws of such corporation may preserve, or, in the absence of such provision, as the Board of Directors of such corporation may determine.

SECTION 11. Informal Action by Shareholders. Unless otherwise provided by law, any action required to be taken at a meeting of the shareholders, or any other action which may be taken at a meeting of the shareholders, may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all of the shareholders entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter thereof.

SECTION 12. Cumulative Voting. Unless otherwise provided by law, at each election for Directors every shareholder entitled to vote, in person or by proxy, shall have the right to vote at such election the number of shares owned by him for as many persons as there are Directors to be elected and for whose election he has a right to vote, or to cumulate his votes.

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ARTICLE III. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION 1. General Powers. The business and affairs of the corporation shall be managed by its Board of Directors except as otherwise herein provided.

SECTION 2. Number, Tenure and Qualifications. The number of Directors of the corporation shall be ( ).

SECTION 3. Regular Meetings. A regular meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held without other notice than this By-Law immediately after, and at the same place as the annual meeting of shareholders.

SECTION 4. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the President or any Director.

SECTION 5. Notice. Notice of any special meeting shall be given at least five (5) days previously thereto by notice personally given or mailed to each Director at his business address, or by telegram.

SECTION 6. Quorum. A majority of the number of Directors fixed by Section 2 of this Article III shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 7. Manner of Acting. The act of the majority of the Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act or the Board of Directors.

SECTION 8. Compensation. By resolution of the Board of Directors, the Directors may be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors and may be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or a stated salary as Director.

SECTION 9. Presumption of Assent. A Director of the corporation who is present at a meeting of the Board of Directors at which action on any corporate matter is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action taken unless his dissent shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting.

SECTION 10. Informal Action by Board of Directors. Unless otherwise provided by law, any action required to be taken at a meeting of the Directors, or any other action which may be taken at a meeting of the Directors, may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by each director.

ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS

SECTION 1. Number. The officers of the corporation shall be a [President, one or more Vice-Presidents and a Secretary-Treasurer], each of whom shall be elected by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 2. Election and Term of Office. The officers of the corporation to be elected by the Board of Directors shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors at the first meeting of the Board of Directors held after each annual meeting of the shareholders.

SECTION 3. Removal. Any officer or agent elected or appointed by the Board of Directors may be removed by the Board of Directors whenever in its judgment, the best interest of the corporation would be served thereby.

SECTION 4. Vacancies. A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise, may be filled by the Board of Directors for the unexpired portion of the term.

SECTION 5. President. The President shall be the principal executive officer of the corporation and, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, shall in general supervise and control all of the business and affairs of the corporation.

SECTION 6. Vice-President. The Board of Directors may determine when there is a need for a Vice-President or Vice-Presidents.

SECTION 7. Secretary-Treasurer. The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep the minutes, be custodian of the corporate records and seal, and have charge and custody of all funds and securities of the corporation.

SECTION 8. Salaries. The salaries, compensation and other benefits, if any, of the officers shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

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ARTICLE V. CONTRACTS, LOANS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS

SECTION 1. Contracts. The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the corporation.

SECTION 2. Loans. No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the corporation and no evidence of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 3. Checks, Drafts, etc. All checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers.

SECTION 4. Deposits. All funds of the corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Board of Directors may select.

ARTICLE VI. CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES AND THEIR TRANSFER

SECTION 1. Certificates for Shares. Certificates representing shares of the corporation shall be in such form as shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 2. Transfer of Shares. Transfer of shares of the corporation shall be made only on the stock transfer books of the corporation by the holder of record thereof or by his legal representative.

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ARTICLE VII. FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the corporation shall begin on the 1st day of January and end on the 31st day of December in each year.

ARTICLE VIII. DIVIDENDS

The Board of Directors may from time to time declare, and the corporation may pay dividends on its outstanding shares in the manner and upon the terms and conditions provided by law and its Articles of Incorporation.

ARTICLE IX. SEAL

The Board of Directors shall provide a corporate seal which shall be circular in form and shall have inscribed thereon the name of the corporation and the state of incorporation and the words "Corporate Seal."

ARTICLE X. WAIVER OF NOTICE

Unless otherwise provided by law, whenever any notice is required to be given to any shareholder or Director of the corporation under the provisions of these By-Laws or under the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be equivalent to the giving of such notice.

ARTICLE XI. AMENDMENTS

These By-Laws may be altered, amended or repealed and new By-Laws may be adopted by a majority vote of the Board of Directors at any annual Board of Directors meeting or at any special Board of Directors meeting when the proposed amendment has been set out in the notice of such meeting.

President Signature

Secretary-Treasurer Signature

Enter text✕

What a Hawaii Corporation Is and how it functions

A Hawaii Corporation is a for-profit legal entity created under state law by filing Articles of Incorporation with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. It provides a separate legal identity that can own property, enter contracts, hire employees, and limit owners' personal liability when corporate formalities are observed. Corporations are governed by corporate bylaws and state statute; they typically have shareholders, directors, and officers and follow annual reporting and tax obligations at both state and federal levels. Electronic workflows and compliant eSignatures may be used where authorized by law.

Why people form a corporation in Hawaii

Forming a Hawaii Corporation creates limited liability for owners, a continuous business identity, and a conventional structure for raising capital and issuing shares. The corporate form supports investor relationships and can enhance credibility with lenders and partners. Where permitted by law, documents filed or signed electronically are recognized under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA, which helps streamline formation and ongoing filings.

Why people form a corporation in Hawaii

Typical parties involved in forming a Hawaii Corporation

Several roles commonly prepare, review, and file incorporation paperwork in Hawaii.

  • Founders and business owners preparing to operate in Hawaii who need formal legal structure and limited liability protection.
  • Corporate attorneys and paralegals responsible for drafting Articles, bylaws, and compliance documents before filing.
  • Registered-agent services and formation providers that accept filings, supply agent details, and manage state correspondence.

The mix of parties varies by complexity: small startups often self-file, while larger or investor-backed businesses use counsel and formation services.

Step-by-step: forming and filing Articles in Hawaii

Follow these steps to prepare, sign, and submit Articles of Incorporation for a Hawaii Corporation.

  • 01
    Name reservation: Check name availability and optionally reserve with the Hawaii SoS before filing.
  • 02
    Prepare Articles: Complete required fields: name, agent, shares, incorporator, and purpose.
  • 03
    Obtain signatures: Signatures must match the signers identified; use compliant eSignatures if law permits.
  • 04
    File with SoS: Submit online or by mail to the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs for processing.

How to set up a digital workflow for Hawaii incorporation

Configure a simple online workflow to collect signatures, validate fields, and package filings for the state portal or mail submission.

Field Configuration
Template Use a standardized Articles of Incorporation template for Hawaii filings.
Authentication Email verification or SMS code ensures signer attribution and auditability.
Signature Type Use ESIGN-compliant electronic signatures with an audit trail when allowed.
Delivery Method Export signed PDF for online upload or print for mail submission.

Where to file and how the submission route works

Decide between online filing, mail, or using a formation agent; each route involves similar preparation but different processing steps.

  • Prepare package: Gather signed Articles, cover letter, and required payment or fee information.
  • Upload or mail: Submit via the Hawaii DCCA online portal or mail physical documents to the registry office.
  • State review: State staff review for conformity and either accept or return the filing for corrections.
  • Confirmation: Receive stamped Articles and official filing confirmation from the state.

Delivery methods, file formats, and integrations

Use common electronic file formats and link integrations to simplify submission to stakeholders and your records system.

  • File Formats: PDF and DOCX are widely accepted for preparation and archival.
  • Integrations: Connectors for NetSuite, Google Workspace, and Salesforce streamline recordkeeping.
  • Authentication: Use email verification, SMS codes, or stronger ID proofing where required.

Prepare final PDF packages for state upload and retain copies in your document management system for compliance and audits.

Typical timing and filing expectations

Timelines vary by submission method and state backlog; plan for internal review, signing, submission, and the state's processing period.

Preparation time:

Allow several business days for internal review and counsel approval.

State processing:

Processing varies by method and workload; expect varying timelines for online vs. mailed filings.

EIN issuance:

Apply to the IRS for an EIN online; issuance can be immediate when completed online.

Annual reports:

Hawaii corporations must file periodic reports; check the DCCA schedule for exact due dates.

Amendments:

File amendments when corporate name, agent, or share structure changes to avoid future disputes.

Common mistakes that delay Hawaii incorporation filings

  • Using an unavailable or noncompliant corporate name, leading to rejection and re-submission delays.
  • Providing a P.O. box for the registered agent address when a physical street address is required.
  • Mismatched signer names or unsigned pages that cause the state to return the filing for correction.
  • Failing to specify authorized shares or par value clearly, which can necessitate an amendment.

Principal risks and consequences of errors

Filing Rejection: Resubmission required
Late Fees: State penalties may apply
Loss of Protection: Improper filings risk veil piercing
Backup Withholding: Incorrect TIN triggers IRS withholding
Recordkeeping Failure: Noncompliance may harm audits
Amendment Costs: Time and additional fees

Required information and essential data fields

Company Name: Full legal name
EIN / TIN: Federal taxpayer ID
Registered Agent: Name and street address
Incorporator: Name and mailing address
Authorized Shares: Total shares and par value
Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY format

Core sections to include in professional Articles of Incorporation

A complete filing collects identity, governance, and capital structure details. Include clear, unambiguous language to reduce review questions and speed acceptance.

Corporate Name

Exact legal name and suffix required for formation and public records; name must comply with Hawaii naming rules and be distinguishable from existing entities.

Registered Agent

Designate a physical street address in Hawaii and an agent authorized to receive legal notices and service of process on behalf of the corporation.

Purpose

State the general corporate purpose or a broader statement of lawful business activities to allow operational flexibility and compliance with state expectations.

Authorized Shares

Specify the number of authorized shares, classes if any, and par value to define the corporation's capital structure and issuance limits.

Incorporator Details

Provide names and addresses of incorporators who execute the Articles and submit them for filing; these individuals sign the original document.

Initial Directors / Bylaws

Optionally list initial directors and reference adoption of bylaws; including governance details can clarify post-filing administrative steps.

Typical eSignature vendor comparison for incorporation workflows

A neutral feature and price snapshot showing common decision criteria for signing and returning corporate formation documents; signNow is listed first per vendor ordering rules.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No envelope cap 100 envelopes/user/year limit Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Frequently asked questions about forming a Hawaii Corporation

Answers to common questions about filing, eSignatures, registered agents, and correcting errors when forming a Hawaii Corporation.


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