Outdoor Burning: East Honolulu vs Pearl City
How do outdoor burning rules compare between East Honolulu, HI and Pearl City, HI?
East Honolulu and Pearl City 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 →Pearl City, HI
Honolulu County
Outdoor burning in Pearl City is restricted under the Honolulu Fire Code. Imu cooking fires, recreational burns, and ceremonial fires each require different advance notices or permissions.
View full Pearl City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | East Honolulu | Pearl City |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Imu Notice | - | 15 minutes to HFD |
| Ceremonial Notice | - | 14 days to AHJ |
| Owner Permission | - | Required in writing |
| State Permit | - | DOH for agriculture |
| Code Chapter | - | ROH Ch. 20 |
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.
Pearl City FAQ
Can I burn yard waste behind my Pearl City home?
No. Open burning of yard waste is generally prohibited. Green waste should be taken to authorized transfer facilities or placed in City pickup per DES rules.
Do I need permission for an imu for a family lu'au?
Imu cooking fires require a 15-minute advance notice to the HFD Fire Communication Center. Ceremonial elements may also require the 14-day AHJ letter.
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