State accepts hundreds of last-minute security guard license applications

The state agency administering Hawaii’s new security guard licensing law stayed open over the weekend to accept a flurry of last-minute applications.

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs received more than 350 applications over the weekend. The new law takes effect today, requiring security guards to have a state-issued card. To receive the card, guards must submit an application and meet certain requirements, including eight hours of training and a background check. 

According to 2010 state data, there are an estimated 10,000 security guards in Hawaii. As of last week, less than half submitted applications. 

DCCA spokesman Brent Suyama says applications were trickling in until recently when officials started receiving more than 100 a day.  He says penalties haven’t been fully established but will likely entail fines.