Fire Pit Rules: East Honolulu vs Kaneohe
How do fire pit rules rules compare between East Honolulu, HI and Kaneohe, HI?
Kaneohe 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 →Kaneohe, HI
Honolulu County
In Kaneohe, backyard fire pits and recreational fires need written owner permission, a 14-day advance letter to the Honolulu Fire Department, and a 15-minute pre-ignition notification to the HFD Fire Communication Center under ROH Chapter 20.
View full Kaneohe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | East Honolulu | Kaneohe |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Kaneohe FAQ
Can I use my backyard fire pit any time in Kaneohe?
No. Each recreational fire needs the 14-day AHJ letter and 15-minute pre-ignition call, plus owner permission.
Are shoreline fires along Kaneohe Bay allowed?
Only on private property with permission; public beach parks generally prohibit open fires without a concession or special event permit.
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