Section 13-244-23 - Manufacturer's or builder's hull identification number required(a) If a vessel contains a permanent identification number placed thereon by the manufacturer thereof, the manufacturer's hull identification number shall be used as the builder's hull identification number. If there is no manufacturer's hull identification number, or if the manufacturer's hull identification number has been removed or obliterated or if the vessel is homemade, the department shall, upon a prescribed application, assign a permanent hull identification number which shall be used as the builder's hull identification number for the vessel, and this assigned number shall be permanently affixed to or imprinted by the applicant, at the place and in the manner designated by the department upon the vessel for which the builder's hull identification number is assigned.(b) No vessel manufactured after January 1, 1967 may be sold or offered for sale by any person in the State unless such vessel has a hull identification number regardless of whether assigned by the manufacturer or by the department.(c) Manufacturer's hull identification numbers for vessels shall be clearly imprinted in the stern transom, hull or other essential hull member near the stern by carving, stamping, impressing or marking with pressure. In lieu of imprinting, the manufacturer's hull identification number may be displayed on a plate in a permanent manner. In addition to being permanent, the number shall be accessible. If the hull identification number is displayed in a location other than on or near the stern transom, the department must be notified by the manufacturer as to such location.(d) No person, firm, association or corporation shall destroy, remove, alter, cover or deface the boat manufacturer's hull identification number, or plate bearing the hull identification number, or any hull identification number assigned by the department on any vessel.(e) No person shall have possession of, buy, receive, sell or offer for sale, or otherwise dispose of in the State a vessel, on which the manufacturer's or assigned hull identification number has been destroyed, removed, covered, altered, or defaced, knowing of the destruction, removal, covering, alteration, or defacement of such manufacturer's or assigned hull identification number.[Eff 2/24/94; comp] (Auth: HRS § 200-24) (Imp: HRS §§ 200-22, 200-24)