What's Being Discussed

Disciplinary matter: The board will review whether a licensed beauty operator, Dayna A. Sedenno Mercado, has complied with the terms of a previous settlement agreement related to a disciplinary case.
New license applications: The board will consider a list of new applicants for barber, barber apprentice, barber shop, and beauty operator licenses.
Exam results: Staff will report on the results of barber and beauty operator licensing exams from August and September 2026.
Natural hair braiding rules: The board will discuss how to create rules for required sanitation, health, and safety training for people who register to practice natural hair braiding, as required by a recent state law.
Rule updates: The board will talk about combining and modernizing its existing administrative rules for barbers and cosmetologists into a single updated rulebook. No new rules will be voted on at this meeting.
Distance learning in beauty schools: The board will discuss its current policy allowing up to 100% of theory coursework to be taught online, with hands-on practice limited to mannequins rather than live clients.
Apprenticeship fees: The board will discuss concerns about barber shops and beauty salons charging fees to apprentices.

Decisions Expected

Approval of minutes from the August 11, 2026 meeting.
Action on the disciplinary compliance matter for the beauty operator license.
Ratification of new licenses for barbers, apprentices, shops, and beauty operators.

Who Should Pay Attention

Licensed barbers, cosmetologists, and beauty school operators in Hawaii
People working toward or currently in barber or cosmetology apprenticeships
Anyone seeking a license in barbering or cosmetology
Natural hair braiding practitioners affected by the new state registration law