Should You Buy Your Hawaii Home Under an LLC?

by Dan Tousignant | May 30, 2026 | LLCs, Real Estate Investing, Tax Consideration

A lot of buyers hear that they should buy real estate under an LLC for asset protection. Sometimes that can be good advice. But if you are buying a home on the Big Island and eventually plan to live in it, using an LLC could be a costly mistake. The reason is simple:...

Common Notices We Receive as Your Registered Agent

by Dan Tousignant | Mar 28, 2025 | Hawaii Registered Agent, LLCs, Real Estate Investing

If you’re considering hiring a registered agent, you might wonder exactly what kinds of notices and documents typically come my way—and why it matters to have a reliable person looking out for you. Here’s a clear breakdown of the most common notices I receive for...

🏡Hosted Vacation Rentals and Ag Land on the Big Island: What You Need to Know (2025 Update)

by Dan Tousignant | Jan 3, 2025 | Property Management, Real Estate Investing, Rental Property

Thinking about starting a hosted Airbnb on Big Island ag land? Here’s what’s legal (and what’s not) in 2025—especially after a major Hawaiʻi Supreme Court ruling that changed everything.  (note: A more recent Big Island Vacation Rental bill has passed, see the details...

Choosing the Right Hawaii Business Entity for Investment Property: LLC, Corporation, or Something Else?

by Dan Tousignant | Apr 30, 2024 | Hawaii Registered Agent, Real Estate Investing

If you are buying rental property or other investment real estate in Hawaiʻi, one of the decisions you may face is how to own the property. Should you buy it personally? Form a Hawaii investment property LLC? Use a partnership? Put the property into a corporation?...

So You Thought You Could Build an ADU on Your Ag Land? Think Again.

by Dan Tousignant | May 26, 2023 | ADU, Property Management, Real Estate Investing, Rental Property

When Hawai‘i County passed Bill 123 (now Ordinance 24-70) in late 2024, many celebrated. It looked like homeowners could finally build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)—small, secondary homes—on almost any residential or agricultural property. And yes, the bill...

Steps to Apply for the Ag Use Exemption in Hawai‘i County

by Dan Tousignant | Apr 10, 2023 | Land Use and Zoning, Property Management, Real Estate Investing, Tax Consideration

If you're buying agricultural land in Hawai‘i County—like in the lush pastures of Honomu on the Big Island—you may be eligible for a significant property tax break. The Agricultural Use Tax Exemption (officially called the Dedication for Agricultural Use) can reduce...