Kailua is a very-high cost-of-living market — pricing guide and permit rules below.
Kailua plumbing rates: $90-$170/hr. Always get 3 written quotes and verify HI licensing at Hawaii CLB (cca.hawaii.gov). Sales tax on materials: 4%.
Kailua requires permits when work exceeds $1,000 or involves full system replacement. Your licensed contractor pulls the permit — if they ask you to pull it, that's a red flag.