Under Hawaii law, what can a broker do if their unlicensed assistant performs work that facilitates a successful transaction?

In Hawaii, real estate law mandates that only licensed individuals can receive compensation for activities related to real estate transactions, such as commissions. Therefore, if a broker's unlicensed assistant performs work that contributes to a successful transaction, the broker is not permitted to pay that assistant a commission. While the broker may appreciate the assistant's contributions, any form of financial compensation that resembles a commission for real estate duties is strictly regulated and, in this case, not allowed under the law.

However, recognizing the efforts of the assistant can be done in other non-monetary ways, such as offering a gift of tangible personal property, as long as it does not equate to a commission or payment for services rendered in the context of the transaction. This legal framework emphasizes the importance of maintaining licensing regulations within the real estate industry to protect both consumers and professionals.