HB1862 • 2026

RELATING TO MASSAGE THERAPY.

Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor: QUINLAN, KEOHOKAPU-LEE LOY, TAKAYAMA
Last action: 2026-01-26
Official status: Referred to CPC, referral sheet 2
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not specify certification requirements from recognized industry organizations as a condition for exemption.

Exemptions for Certain Massage Therapy Practices

This bill allows individuals who perform foot, hand, and outer ear manipulation while clients remain fully clothed to be exempt from massage therapy licensure requirements and related advertising restrictions.

What This Bill Does

Creates an exemption from needing a massage therapy license if someone only does foot, hand, or outer ear manipulation while clients stay fully clothed.
Exempts establishments offering only the services described in the bill from getting a massage therapy license.
Removes advertising restrictions for those who qualify under this exemption.

Who It Names or Affects

People who offer foot, hand, or outer ear manipulation without undressing clients
Establishments that provide these specific types of massages

Terms To Know

Exemption: A rule allowing certain people to skip a requirement others must follow.
Licensure: Getting permission from the government to do a specific job or activity.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify what happens if someone starts offering other types of massages after getting this exemption.
It is unclear how many practitioners and establishments will qualify for these exemptions.

Bill History

2026-01-26 H
Referred to CPC, referral sheet 2
2026-01-26 H
Introduced and Pass First Reading.
2026-01-23 H
Pending introduction.

Official Summary Text

RELATING TO MASSAGE THERAPY.
Massage Therapy; Licensure; Exemptions
Exempts individuals and establishments that offer only foot, hand, and outer ear manipulation from massage therapy licensure requirements and related advertising restrictions.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

HB1862

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1862

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING
TO MASSAGE THERAPY
.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

����
SECTION
1.
�
Chapter 452, Hawaii Revised Statutes,
is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read
as follows:

����
"
�452-
�
Exemption
from licensure.
�
(a)
�
A person shall be exempt from licensure under
this chapter if the person:

����
(1)
�
Engages in the
manipulation of the soft tissues of only the hands, feet, or outer ears,
including the practice of reflexology and foot zone therapy;

����
(2)
�
Performs the
services described under paragraph (1) for clients who remain fully clothed;

����
(3)
�
Is certified
by, and in good standing with, an industry-recognized organization that
represents practitioners who perform the services described under paragraph (1)
with established standards and ethics; and

����
(4)
�
Does not
otherwise provide massage therapy for clients, whether or not for compensation.

����
(b)
�
Establishments that offer only the services
as described in subsection (a) shall be exempt from licensure as provided in
section 452-3.

����
(c)
�
Any person exempt from licensure as provided
by this section shall be exempt from the advertising regulations established
pursuant to section 452-23.
"

����
SECTION 2.
�
This Act does not affect rights and duties
that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun
before its effective date.

����
SECTION 3.
�
New statutory material is underscored.

����
SECTION 4.
�
This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Massage
Therapy; Licensure; Exemptions

Description:

Exempts
individuals and establishments that offer only foot, hand, and outer ear
manipulation from massage therapy licensure requirements and related
advertising restrictions.

The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.