Hawaii ESA laws
Hawaii writes emotional support animals directly into its fair housing law. HRS 515-3 treats an assistance animal as a reasonable accommodation and defines the term broadly enough to cover comfort and emotional support animals of any species, trained or not. When your disability isn't obvious, a landlord may ask for verification, but the statute stops them from asking for medical records or your diagnosis.
- HRS 515-3(b) says an assistance animal can be any species and needs no formal training, as long as it eases symptoms or effects of your disability.
- Verification can come from a treating health care, mental health or social work professional. A vest, tag or online registry listing does not count.
- A landlord may set reasonable restrictions on the animal, but cannot ask about the nature or severity of your condition.
- The Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission enforces HRS chapter 515 and takes complaints when an assistance animal request is refused.
Source: Hawaii Revised Statutes § 515-3
Your Hawaii ESA letter, step by step
Book a time
Pick a phone or video slot online and answer a short questionnaire about how you are feeling and the animal you live with in Hawaii.
Talk with a licensed clinician
A licensed clinician spends about 5–10 minutes with you and decides whether an emotional support animal is part of your care.
Get your signed letter
If the clinician approves, your letter is emailed to you as a PDF with their license details. If not, you are not charged.
Share it with your housing provider
Send the letter with a short reasonable accommodation request. Keep copies of everything you send and receive.
Hawaii ESA letter cost
| Letter | Covers | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ESA letter | Up to 2 animals | $129 |
| ESA letter | 3 or more animals | $199 |
Booking is free and you're charged only if your letter is approved.
What an ESA letter covers
Rentals and other housing
A letter supports a reasonable accommodation request, so a housing provider considers an exception to no-pet rules or pet fees for your animal.
Not flights or stores
Airlines treat emotional support animals as pets, and stores or restaurants do not have to admit them. Only trained service dogs have those rights.
Any common species
Dogs and cats are most common, but the letter is about your need for the animal, not its breed or training.
Reasonable limits apply
A provider can still refuse an animal that poses a direct threat or causes serious damage.
What to do if a landlord in Hawaii denies your ESA
Ask the housing provider to put the refusal and its reason in writing. You can then contact the Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission or file a complaint with HUD. Many renters settle the issue at this stage simply by asking for a written decision.
Have a dog trained to do specific tasks for a psychiatric condition? See the Hawaii psychiatric service dog letter.