Fire Pit Rules: East Honolulu vs Kailua
How do fire pit rules rules compare between East Honolulu, HI and Kailua, HI?
Kailua has fewer restrictions than East Honolulu.
East Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
East Honolulu follows the City and County of Honolulu Fire Code: recreational, decorative, or ceremonial open fires (including backyard fire pits and bonfires) require the property owner's written permission plus a letter submitted to the fire department at least 14 days before the event.
View full East Honolulu rules →Kailua, HI
Honolulu County
Kailua residents may use fire pits for recreational or ceremonial fires, but each event requires advance written permission from the property owner, a 14-day letter to the Honolulu Fire Department, and a 15-minute pre-ignition call to HFD Fire Communication Center.
View full Kailua rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | East Honolulu | Kailua |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | ROH Sec. 10.11.1.1(2) | - |
| Advance Notice | Letter to AHJ 14 days prior | - |
| Light-Up Notice | Notify HFD FCC 15 minutes prior | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
East Honolulu FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in East Honolulu without notifying anyone?
No. A recreational or decorative open fire requires written owner permission, a letter to the Honolulu Fire Department at least 14 days in advance, and a 15-minute notification to the Fire Communication Center before lighting.
Can the fire department prohibit my fire pit?
Yes. Open burning may be prohibited when the authority having jurisdiction determines such fires are a hazard, under ROH Section 10.11.1.
Kailua FAQ
Can I just light a backyard fire pit after work in Kailua?
No. Recreational fires need property owner permission and a 14-day advance letter to HFD, plus a 15-minute pre-ignition call, before each event.
Are beach bonfires at Kailua Beach Park allowed?
No. Honolulu city and state parks generally prohibit beach bonfires without a special permit; the open burning rules still apply even in permitted cases.
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