How Urban Honolulu Handles Hurricane Preparedness: A Practical Guide
Urban Honolulu maintains 119 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with hurricane preparedness. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Urban Honolulu falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Roof Standards
Roofs in Honolulu must resist 130+ mph design wind loads per ASCE 7. Hurricane clips at every rafter, engineered sheathing nailing, and wind-rated coverings are required on new roofs and reroofs.
Key details: Measurement: 130+ mph design wind load per ASCE 7. Authority: Hurricane clips or straps required at every rafter/truss. Measurement: Continuous load path from roof to foundation mandatory. Fees: High-wind-rated roof coverings required. Authority: Secondary water barrier recommended on reroofs.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in Urban Honolulu's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Flood Elevation
FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas on Oahu are regulated under ROH Chapter 21A. New AE-zone construction must elevate lowest floor to BFE plus one foot freeboard, and VE zones require pilings.
Key details: Zoning: AE zone lowest floor at BFE plus 1 foot freeboard. Zoning: VE zone requires pilings with breakaway walls below BFE. Utilities Elevated: Utilities elevated above flood elevation. Permit: SMA permit required for coastal construction. Animals: Elevation certificates required for NFIP compliance.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in Urban Honolulu's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Hurricane Shutters
New construction in Honolulu must protect glazed openings against windborne debris under the Honolulu Building Code. Options include impact-rated windows tested to ASTM E1886/E1996 or approved shutters.
Key details: Signage: Design wind speed 130+ mph per ASCE 7. Glazed openings: Glazed openings protected by impact glass, shutters, or panels. ASTM E1886: ASTM E1886 and E1996 test standards apply. Hours/Times: Plywood panel method allowed for one and two family homes. Hours/Times: Miami-Dade NOA-approved shutters widely accepted.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Urban Honolulu actively enforces its hurricane shutters requirements.
The Bottom Line
Urban Honolulu is tougher than many cities when it comes to hurricane preparedness. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Urban Honolulu, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
All of the above reflects Urban Honolulu's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.