Nonprofits registered in Hawaii now have a limited window to correct delinquent charitable filings. The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General has announced an amnesty period, running July 1 through October 31, 2026, giving charitable organizations that have fallen behind on registration or filing requirements a chance to return to good standing, with applicable late fees and penalties waived for those who fully comply by the deadline.

Who Is Eligible

The amnesty program is aimed at charitable organizations that are delinquent under Hawaii's charitable solicitation law, including organizations that have been suspended or that may soon receive a Notice of Suspension from the Attorney General's charities registry. It does not apply to fraud, misuse of charitable assets, false statements, or other substantive violations of law; it's intended strictly for filing, registration, and payment delinquencies.

What You Need to Do to Qualify

To take advantage of the amnesty program, an eligible organization must complete all of the following by October 31, 2026:

• File all overdue registration statements, annual financial reports, and other required documents
• Pay all current registration, renewal, or filing fees (these are not being waived; only late fees and penalties are eligible for a waiver)
• Provide any additional information or documentation the department requests
• Correct any other outstanding registration or reporting deficiencies identified by the department

Organizations that are currently suspended or that have previously received a Notice of Suspension may also be eligible to have their registration reinstated upon completion of all applicable requirements.

What This Isn't

It's worth being clear about the limits of this program: the amnesty period waives late fees and penalties tied to filing and registration delinquencies. It does not waive current fees and does not provide any coverage for fraud or other substantive violations. The Attorney General's office retains full authority to take action when needed to protect the public.

Check Your Organization's Status Now

Hawai'i's Department of the Attorney General is specifically encouraging organizations not to wait until the deadline. You can check your registration status any time through the Hawaii charities registry, and if your nonprofit works with an accountant, attorney, or other outside advisor, they may already have visibility into whether you have outstanding filings.

Looking Ahead

An amnesty window moves fast once overdue filings, financial reports, and any state correspondence are involved, especially for organizations juggling several years of catch-up. Labyrinth has helped nonprofits navigate charitable registration and annual reporting requirements for over 30 years, and we're here to help you use this window effectively rather than let it close on you. Contact us today if your organization needs help getting current in Hawaii before October 31.