East Honolulu vs Honolulu
How do beekeeping rules compare between East Honolulu, HI and Honolulu, HI?
East Honolulu and Honolulu have similar restriction levels.
East Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
East Honolulu has no dedicated beekeeping ordinance. Apiaries are treated as agricultural activity under the Land Use Ordinance Chapter 21, with state registration under HRS Chapter 152 required for all hives.
View full East Honolulu rules →Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Honolulu allows noncommercial beekeeping on any zoning lot of at least 5,000 sq ft. Hive numbers are capped by lot size, all colonies must be in movable-frame hives, and a 25-foot setback from property lines is required unless a flyway barrier is used.
View full Honolulu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | East Honolulu | Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated ordinance | None | - |
| Code chapter | ROH 21 (LUO) | - |
| State registration | HRS 152 | - |
| Permitted zones | Agricultural districts | - |
| Proposed setback | 25 feet (Bill 65) | - |
| Minimum lot size | - | 5,000 sq ft |
| Max hives (small lots <10k sq ft) | - | 2 hives |
| Setback from property line | - | 25 feet (or barrier) |
| Flyway barrier height | - | 6 feet minimum |
| Hive type required | - | Movable-frame only |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
East Honolulu FAQ
Can I keep bees in Hawaii Kai's R-5 zone?
Only if hives qualify as a permitted accessory agricultural use under ROH 21. Consult DPP before installing hives on a residential East Honolulu lot.
Do I need to register my hive?
Yes. Hawaii HRS Chapter 152 requires all apiaries statewide to register with the Department of Agriculture, regardless of Honolulu County zoning.
What lot size will Bill 65 require?
The pending LUO draft proposes a 5,000 square-foot minimum lot, tiered hive caps of 2 to 6, and 25-foot setbacks, but it is not yet enacted.
Honolulu FAQ
Can I keep bees in a residential neighborhood?
Yes, on lots of 5,000+ sq ft in any zoning district for noncommercial purposes, subject to hive-count limits and the 25-foot setback or flyway barrier requirement under ROH § 7-2.5.
What counts as a flyway barrier to waive the 25-foot setback?
A solid fence, dense hedge, or similar barrier at least 6 feet high, parallel to the property line, extending at least 2 feet beyond each side of the hive openings, forcing bees to fly upward.
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