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☀️ Solar Energy/HOA Restrictions

HOA Restrictions: East Honolulu vs Kaneohe

How do hoa restrictions rules compare between East Honolulu, HI and Kaneohe, HI?

East Honolulu and Kaneohe have similar restriction levels.

East Honolulu, HI

Honolulu County

Few Restrictions

East Honolulu HOAs, including Hawaii Kai master associations, cannot prevent solar installation on single-family dwellings or townhouses under HRS Sec. 196-7 state preemption.

View full East Honolulu rules →

Kaneohe, HI

Honolulu County

Few Restrictions

Kaneohe homeowner associations cannot block solar panel installation on single-family homes or townhouses under Hawaii state law HRS Sec. 196-7.

View full Kaneohe rules →

Key Facts Comparison

FactEast HonoluluKaneohe
StatuteHRS Sec. 196-7-
Efficiency limitNo more than 25 percent lossMax 25 percent reduction
Cost limitNo more than 15 percent increaseMax 15 percent increase
ScopeSingle-family and townhouse-
State code-HRS Sec. 196-7
Preemption-Voids contrary CC&Rs

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

East Honolulu FAQ

Can my Hawaii Kai HOA deny my solar panels?

No. HRS Sec. 196-7 voids any HOA provision preventing solar device installation on a single-family home or townhouse you own.

Can the HOA charge me a fee to install solar?

No. Hawaii state law prohibits HOAs from charging placement fees for solar devices or imposing substantial efficiency or cost penalties.

Kaneohe FAQ

Can Kaneohe townhouse HOAs require panel screening?

Only if the screening does not reduce efficiency by more than 25 percent or raise cost by more than 15 percent. Otherwise the rule is void.

Do condo unit owners in Kaneohe Bay condos have the same rights?

HRS Sec. 196-7 covers single-family and townhouse owners. Condominium common-element roofs remain subject to association placement decisions.

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