Federal Title X applies on Oahu, and Hawaii's Department of Health enforces RRP rules for renovations on pre-1978 homes. Honolulu landlords and contractors must follow disclosure, certified-firm, and lead-safe work practices on most older properties.
Although Hawaii's housing stock is younger than many mainland cities, plantation-era and 1950s-60s neighborhoods like Kaimuki, Kalihi, and Manoa contain significant pre-1978 inventory. Federal Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rules require EPA-certified firms, lead-safe work practices, and tenant disclosure. The Hawaii Department of Health Indoor and Radiological Health Branch administers the program. Landlords must provide the federal lead pamphlet at lease signing, and sellers must disclose known lead hazards. Honolulu code-enforcement inspectors coordinate with DOH on rental complaints.
RRP violations can carry federal fines up to $37,000 per day per violation. Failure to disclose lead hazards in residential leases or sales exposes landlords and sellers to triple damages plus attorney fees under federal law.
See how Honolulu's lead paint rules stack up against other locations.
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