Raising poultry, bees and other livestock is a permitted use in Hawai'i County's Agricultural zoning districts under state law. In residential zones roosters and large flocks are restricted, and feral-fowl noise is a chronic Big Island issue handled through nuisance rules.
State law HRS 205-4.5 lists raising of livestock, including poultry, bees and fish, among the permissible uses within the Agricultural districts that cover much of Hawai'i Island (A-1, A-20, A-40 zoning under HCC Chapter 25). On smaller residential lots the County Zoning Code limits keeping of fowl and generally does not allow roosters; feral chickens and crowing roosters are a well-known nuisance and are addressed through noise and public-nuisance enforcement rather than an outright island-wide ban. Piggeries, apiaries and pen feeding of livestock must be sited on premises approved by the State Department of Health.
Keeping livestock in a zone where it is not permitted is a Chapter 25 zoning violation; crowing-fowl or feral-flock complaints are enforced as nuisances by the County.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Hawaii County, HI
Home composting is allowed and encouraged in Hawai'i County. The county runs green-waste diversion at its transfer stations and recycling programs, but there...
Hawaii County, HI
The County of Hawai'i has no ordinance banning or specifically regulating artificial turf on residential yards. Installation must still meet zoning setbacks,...
Hawaii County, HI
There is no county rule requiring native landscaping, but the Big Island is ground-zero for invasive-species control. Planting or spreading state-listed noxi...
Hawaii County, HI
Rainwater catchment is legal and common on the Big Island — many Puna and off-grid homes rely on it. The County Department of Water Supply does not recognize...
Hawaii County, HI
The County of Hawai'i Department of Water Supply can restrict water use during shortages, drought, or equipment problems, often ordering 25% cuts (50% for ir...
Hawaii County, HI
The County of Hawai'i can compel clearing of weeds and 'uncultivated undergrowth' from unoccupied lots as a public nuisance under HRS 46-1.5(12). After notic...
See how Hawaii County's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.