Honolulu County, HI Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code adopted
- NEC / NFPA 70, 2017 edition
- Effective date
- August 21, 2018
- Permit required under
- ROH Chapter 18
- Extra inspection fee
- $200.00 each
- After-hours inspection
- $75.00/hr, 3-hr minimum
- Criminal penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine, 1 year jail
- Civil penalty
- Up to $10,000 or $2,000/day
Summary
Honolulu adopted the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, 2017 edition, as the State Electrical Code effective August 21, 2018, under ROH Section 17-1.1, with island-wide amendments to Article 90. Anyone doing electrical work anywhere on Oahu, from Kailua to Waianae, must first obtain a building permit under ROH Chapter 18, per amended NEC Section 90.17.1, and pass the Authority Having Jurisdiction's inspections before energizing the installation.
The State Electrical Code, as adopted by the State of Hawaii on August 21, 2018, which adopts, with modifications, the National Electrical Code (NEC), NFPA 70, 2017 edition, as published and copyrighted by the National Fire Protection Association, is adopted by reference and made a part hereof, subject to the following amendments which, unless stated otherwise, are in the form of amendments to the NEC 2017 edition: ... (10) Amending Article 90. Article 90 is amended by adding Section 90.17 to read: 90.17 Permits and Inspection Fees 90.17.1 Permit required. A building permit is required to perform work covered by this code as provided under ROH Chapter 18.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-10: Supplement 10, 12-2025 Ordinance No. 25-40 through Ordinance No. 25-56).
Full Breakdown
1 adopts the NEC 2017 edition by reference for the entire City and County of Honolulu, meaning the whole island of Oahu, not just an unincorporated pocket. 2(B)(6), exempting only narrow categories from the code: work on federal or state-owned buildings, telephone or telegraph systems regulated by the state public utilities commission, physical placement of signs, X-ray equipment or household appliances, elevator-related work under HRS Chapter 397, air conditioning device replacement (except overcurrent devices), and city-owned streetlights or traffic signals. 1 requires a building permit for all covered electrical work under ROH Chapter 18.
10(e), confirming roughing-in and completed work with the licensed electrician present, unless the AHJ authorizes limited early use for good cause. Contractors must request inspection at least 48 working hours ahead, excluding weekends and holidays, and may not conceal wiring before it is inspected. 00 per hour (three-hour minimum) for inspections requested outside normal business hours. 10(d) until corrections in a written notice are made within 10 days. Discretionary AHJ decisions and enforcement orders may be appealed to the City and County of Honolulu building board of appeals under ROH Chapter 16.
Violations & Fines
Performing electrical work in violation of the adopted code is a misdemeanor under Section 90.16(c), punishable by a fine of up to $1,000.00, up to one year imprisonment, or both, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense. The AHJ may instead pursue administrative enforcement: a civil fine of up to $10,000.00, or up to $2,000.00 per day for a continuing violation. Orders become final 30 calendar days after delivery unless appealed to the building board of appeals; an appeal does not stay the order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for electrical work anywhere on Oahu, including Kailua or Waipahu?
What happens if my electrical work fails inspection?
Can I appeal an AHJ decision on my electrical permit?
What electrical work is exempt from Honolulu's permit requirement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Honolulu County
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