Property Management Law Hawaii

[Nate Rohlf]

Hello everyone,

I will start by thanking everyone for the immense amount of knowledge that I have gained from a variety of topics here on BP.  Currently I own a condo on Oahu and will be moving off the island to the mainland (continental US).  I would like to self manage the property so I can save on property management expenses.  I believe I can do it as I have help from a friend who will live on the island and can manage it for me.  I do plan on doing most of the work though remotely. 

My question has to do with the off island landlord laws in Hawaii.  The law was changed recently that states that if you are a landlord and live off island you have to have an "agent" to look after the property and be responsible for day to day activity and be there for emergencies.  It doesn't expand on what an "agent" is.  

So my question is does this "agent" have to have a real estate license or be part of a property management company?  

Are there any landlords out there who live off island that can help clarify the law?