Laser Tattoo Removal Hawaii – A Business Guide

Hawaii is expected to have over 430,000* people having at least one tattoo. Considering opening a tattoo removal shop in Hawaii? This article covers everything you need to know – the basic requirements of setting up a tattoo removal business, tattoo removal market size Hawaii, laser tattoo removal Hawaii laws, etc.  

Tattoo Removal Business Start Up

When starting a tattoo removal business, there are several crucial things to consider, plan, and implement. For a step-by-step guide to starting a tattoo removal business, click here. This article covers important aspects of building your business including:

• tattoo removal equipment choices
• types of laser tattoo removal machines 
• tattoo removal business space 
• marketing and business plan 
• training and hiring
• tattoo removal business profitability, and
• Licenses, state regulations, and insurance

For a detailed analysis of which insurance covers the business might need, click here.

It ultimately comes down to this: laser tattoo removal. Laser removal has emerged as the go-to treatment. It is effective and comparatively safe, being a non-invasive skin treatment. A laser tattoo removal clinic can be a highly profitable business.

Tattoo Removal Market Size Hawaii

Not everyone loves their tattoo forever. According to Harris Poll (2015), almost a quarter of people with tattoos suffer from tattoo regret. In fact, the tattoo removal market is currently witnessing a huge expansion. It is set to grow into a $795 million market by 2027 at a growth rate of 19.3% (Allied Market Research). Over 430,000 people in Hawaii have at least one tattoo. Many of these tattooed individuals will face tattoo regret too. And when they do start looking for removal options, your tattoo removal clinic in Hawaii can emerge as their savior. 

Laser Laws Hawaii – Laser Tattoo Removal

In Hawaii, the medical field is regulated by the Hawaii Medical Board. While there is no official law on the concerned matter, the Board has given its informal stance on several instances. In its August 2014 meeting, the Board after due deliberation arrived at the opinion that unless legal authority is granted by a law/statute beyond the Hawaii medical laws (Chapter 453, Hawaii Revised Statutes and Chapter 16-85 Hawaii Administrative Rules), ‘the use of lasers to cut, shape, burn, vaporize, or structurally alter human tissues constitutes the practice of medicine.’ A similar declaration had already been made as early as in 1999. The Board, however, went further to clarify the rules regarding delegation. It stated that the procedure can be delegated only to personnel who are regulated by the State of Hawaii. Thus, unregulated professionals like laser technicians and medical assistants are not permitted to operate a laser, nor can any licensed medical professional delegate such a task to them.

In 2017, the Medical Board responded similarly to certain inquiries raised regarding the use of lasers and intense pulsed lights devices (IPL). Giving its opinion on the question of whether a licensed nurse can perform a laser/IPL treatment on their own with no supervision, the board claimed that 

“Licensed nurses may use lasers and other similar devices to cut, shape, burn, or otherwise structurally alter human tissue provided their practice act (HRS Chapter 457) allows them to perform such tasks, and such tasks are delegated and under the direction of a physician. Further, the supervision and delegation of such tasks and/or treatments by the physician must ensure the safety of the patient and must also adhere to the generally accepted principles of professionalism as set forth in the AMA’s Code of Medical Ethics and the AOA’s Code of Ethics.”    

These are, however, not to be seen as official rulings of the Board and can therefore not be considered binding on the Board or the Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.  

Laser Tattoo Removal Hawaii (In short):

1. The use of lasers is considered to be a practice of medicine. 
2. Only licensed medical professionals can operate a laser in the state. 

Hawaii Business Resources

Many organizations and government departments help new businesses start and run efficiently. Some of them are:

1. Hawaii Business Express is a one-stop portal to access certain government websites needed to register the business, apply for taxes, renew documents, etc.
2. The Hawaii Small Business Development Center Network provides support and assistance to existing and new businesses through its various training programs and free consultation service.
3. The Hawaii branch of SBA (Small Business Administration) also has a lot to offer. The SBA is not only a storehouse of information but also provides networking opportunities through its various small business events. The Hawaii Small Business Resource Guide (click here) is a comprehensive guide to starting a business in Hawaii – from funding options to state policies and permits.
4. Score is a non-profit organization offering educational resources and advice and mentorship from business experts. 

Note: This article does not offer legal advice or interpretation.