Honolulu County, HI Code Violation Reporting: How to Report (2026)
Key Facts
- How to file
- Signed written complaint
- Must include
- Violation description and location
- Who investigates
- Building official (DPP)
- Self-initiated ok
- Yes, no complaint required
Summary
Residents anywhere on Oahu can report a suspected Housing Code violation by filing a signed, written complaint with the Dept. of Planning and Permitting's building official, who must investigate credible complaints under ROH § 16A-10.3.
Any person may submit a written complaint to the building official reporting a violation of this code. The complainant shall sign the complaint and describe the suspected violation, the property on which it is occurring, its location on the property, and any reports, documents, or citations that support a finding of violation.
(b) If the building official receives a complaint that contains sufficient facts or allegations to support a determination that a violation of this code exists, the building official shall make inquiry or take up an investigation of the complaint.
(c) Nothing in this code precludes the building official from initiating an investigation into potential violations of this code that are not reported by a written complaint. (Sec. 25-11.3, R.O. 1978 (1983 Ed.)) (1990 Code, Ch. 27, Art. 10, § 27-10.3) (Am. Ords. 97-50, 14-36)
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
ROH § 16A-10.3 lets any Oahu resident file a signed written complaint with the Dept. of Planning and Permitting's building official against a suspected Housing Code violation, describing the violation, the property, its location on the property, and any supporting reports or documents. If the complaint states facts sufficient to support a finding of violation, the building official must inquire or investigate, and can also open an investigation without any complaint at all. This is the front door for reporting substandard buildings, unsafe conditions, sanitation failures, or public nuisances anywhere on the island.
Violations & Fines
Confirmed violations trigger a notice of violation and possible misdemeanor prosecution, fines up to $1,000 per day or up to one year in jail, against the property's responsible person under § 16A-10.5.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report a code violation on Oahu?
Does the city have to investigate every complaint?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Honolulu County
Compare Honolulu County to another location·View the Hawaii code violation reporting overview
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