There is no exemption from registration merely because a foreign entity is a subcontractor as far as I am aware.  As long as an entity has said that they are exempt from registration, they will be granted a certificate of compliance.  

One company I checked out is Biederman Redevelopment Ventures, the consultant for Ala Moana Park.  I'm pretty sure they've established nexus here (they've held public meetings on Oahu), but they said they're exempt from registration and have received a certificate of compliance.