Outdoor Burning: East Honolulu vs Kailua
How do outdoor burning rules compare between East Honolulu, HI and Kailua, HI?
East Honolulu and Kailua have similar restriction levels.
East Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
All open burning in East Honolulu must comply with the Honolulu Fire Code: most categories require a letter to the fire department 14 days in advance and a 15-minute pre-light notice, and burning may be prohibited entirely when deemed a hazard.
View full East Honolulu rules →Kailua, HI
Honolulu County
Outdoor burning in Kailua is heavily restricted. Imu and cooking fires require a 15-minute advance call to HFD; recreational and ceremonial burning requires a 14-day advance letter, and State DOH open-burning permits may also apply.
View full Kailua rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | East Honolulu | Kailua |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | ROH Sec. 10.11.1.1 | - |
| Permitted Categories | 7 listed (cooking, recreational, hazard, etc.) | - |
| State Overlay | HAR Ch. 11-60.1 (DOH open burning) | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
East Honolulu FAQ
What kinds of open burning are allowed in East Honolulu?
Only the seven categories listed in ROH Section 10.11.1.1: cooking food, recreational/decorative/ceremonial fires, abating a fire hazard, disease or pest control, firefighter training, disposal of dangerous materials, and residential bathing.
Does cooking in an imu require notice?
Yes. For cooking fires not contained within an appliance, such as an imu, the responsible person must notify the HFD Fire Communication Center 15 minutes before lighting.
Kailua FAQ
Can I burn yard waste from Kailua hurricane cleanup?
No. Yard waste burning generally requires a DOH Clean Air Branch permit and must also comply with ROH Chapter 20. Green waste should be taken to a transfer station.
Is a traditional imu allowed for a luau?
Yes, with property owner permission and a 15-minute pre-ignition call to HFD FCC. Recreational fires require the additional 14-day letter.
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