Honolulu's Homelessness & Encampment Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles homelessness & encampment rules a little differently. In Honolulu, Hawaii, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Sit-Lie Rules

Honolulu's Sit-Lie Ordinance, Bill 6 (2014) codified at ROH section 29-16, prohibits sitting or lying on public sidewalks in Waikiki and other designated business districts between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Key details: Code: ROH Section 29-16. Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.. Districts: Waikiki, Chinatown, others. Max fine: $1,000 per offense.

Violators receive a written citation after a warning, with fines up to $1,000 or up to 30 days imprisonment for repeat offenses, though most cases divert to outreach services.

This is one of the stricter rules in Honolulu's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Encampment Sanitation

Honolulu's Stored Property Ordinance and Sidewalk Nuisance Ordinance authorize the city to remove unattended personal property and clear encampments from sidewalks, parks, and rights-of-way after 24 hours notice.

Key details: Notice period: 24 hours. Storage: 30 days at warehouse. Outreach partner: IHS and Continuum of Care. Trespass statute: HRS 708-814.

Failing to retrieve stored property within 30 days results in disposal. Re-establishing an encampment in a cleared zone can support criminal trespass charges under HRS section 708-814.

This is one of the stricter rules in Honolulu's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Bridge Housing Siting

Honolulu funds bridge housing through the HONU mobile navigation center, Punawai Rest Stop, and Joint Outreach Center, partnering with IHS and other Continuum of Care providers to transition unsheltered residents into permanent housing.

Key details: Program operator: City with IHS partners. Stay length: Typically 90 days. Coordinated entry: Continuum of Care. Sites: HONU, Punawai, JOC.

Disruptive conduct, weapons, or drug activity on bridge housing premises results in immediate exit and possible trespass citation under HRS 708-814 if a returner refuses to leave.

The Bottom Line

Honolulu is tougher than many cities when it comes to homelessness & encampment rules. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Honolulu, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Honolulu's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.