Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 444-2.5(b) addresses your inquiry:

“Proof of the sale or lease, or offering for sale or lease, of the structure within one year after completion shall be prima facie evidence that the construction or improvement of the structure was undertaken for the purpose of sale or lease; provided that this subsection shall not apply to

(1) Residential properties sold or leased to employees of the owner or lessee;

(2) Construction or improvements performed pursuant to an approved building permit where the estimated valuation of work to be performed, as reflected in the building permit, is less than $10,000; or

(3) Any sale or lease caused by an eligible unforeseen hardship as determined by the board pursuant to subsection (c).” The Contractors License Board (“Board”) considers an open owner builder permit to be within one year after of completion. The above interpretation is for informational and explanatory purposes only. It is not an official opinion or decision and is thus, not binding upon the Board.