Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
πŸ’‘ Outdoor Lighting/Dark Sky Rules

Dark Sky Rules: East Honolulu vs Honolulu

How do dark sky rules rules compare between East Honolulu, HI and Honolulu, HI?

East Honolulu and Honolulu have similar restriction levels.

East Honolulu, HI

Honolulu County

Some Restrictions

East Honolulu commercial, industrial, and recreational development must use full cut-off shielded fixtures under ROH 21-4.100, protecting Hawaii Kai and Aina Haina residential skies and Koko Head observations.

View full East Honolulu rules β†’

Honolulu, HI

Honolulu County

Some Restrictions

Honolulu County's LUO 21-4.100 requires full cut-off shielded outdoor fixtures for commercial, industrial, and outdoor-recreational development to prevent direct illumination of nearby residential and resort districts, complementing state night sky policy.

View full Honolulu rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactEast HonoluluHonolulu
Code sectionROH 21-4.100LUO 21-4.100
Fixture typeFull cut-off shieldedFull cut-off shielded
Applies toCommercial/industrial-
State companionHRS 201-8.5-
Rooftop ruleShield beyond rooftop-
Scope-Commercial, industrial, rec
Rooftop areas-Shielded beyond edge
State policy-HRS 201-8.5

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

East Honolulu FAQ

Do residential homes in Aina Haina need full cut-off lighting?

LUO 21-4.100 targets commercial, industrial, and recreational development. Single-family residential fixtures are not directly regulated, but light trespass rules still apply.

Are rooftop bars in Hawaii Kai regulated?

Yes. Non-enclosed rooftop gathering spaces must shield lighting to eliminate illumination beyond the rooftop, protecting neighboring residential views.

What is a full cut-off fixture?

A fixture designed so no light is emitted above horizontal, directing all output downward. This is the standard required by ROH 21-4.100.

Honolulu FAQ

Do dark-sky rules apply to homes?

LUO 21-4.100 targets commercial, industrial, and outdoor-recreational development. Residential lighting is reached mainly through nuisance rules and shielding spillover requirements.

What is a full cut-off fixture?

A fixture that emits no light above the horizontal plane through the lamp, preventing upward glow and direct trespass onto adjacent properties.

Compare other topics

See how East Honolulu and Honolulu compare on other ordinance categories.

Want to add a third city?

Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.

Open Comparison Tool