Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Real Estate Appraiser Program
What This Board Does
The Real Estate Appraiser Program within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs licenses and regulates real property appraisers in Hawaii in compliance with federal appraisal independence and qualification requirements. The program processes appraiser license applications, oversees continuing education requirements, and handles disciplinary matters against appraisers who violate professional standards. It ensures that appraisals used in real estate transactions and lending decisions reflect accurate, unbiased property valuations.
Why You Should Care
Appraiser competence and independence directly affect the accuracy of home valuations, which in turn affects mortgage lending, property taxes, and sales prices across Hawaii's real estate market. Homeowners who believe a property was unfairly appraised, or lenders with concerns about appraiser conduct, can engage with this program.