Coastal Development: East Honolulu vs Urban Honolulu
How do coastal development rules compare between East Honolulu, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?
East Honolulu and Urban Honolulu have similar restriction levels.
East Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Coastal development along East Honolulu's Maunalua Bay shoreline requires Special Management Area permits under ROH Chapter 25, implementing HRS Chapter 205A coastal zone management.
View full East Honolulu rules →Urban Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Urban Honolulu's coastal zones, including Waikiki, Kakaako makai, and Ala Moana Beach Park frontage, fall within the Special Management Area, where ROH Chapter 25 requires SMA major or minor permits for most development.
View full Urban Honolulu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | East Honolulu | Urban Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Authority | - | ROH Chapter 25 |
| State basis | - | HRS Chapter 205A |
| Major permit | - | Sec. 25-5.3 |
| Minor permit | - | Sec. 25-5.2 |
| Urban focus | - | Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kakaako makai |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
East Honolulu FAQ
Do I need an SMA permit to build a seawall in Hawaii Kai?
Yes. Shoreline structures like seawalls trigger SMA review under Chapter 25 and may also require a shoreline setback variance under HRS 205A Part III.
Does SMA apply to interior remodels near the coast?
Interior renovations with no exterior expansion or land disturbance typically fall outside SMA review, but any shoreline-facing work within the SMA should be confirmed with city planning.
Urban Honolulu FAQ
Does a Waikiki hotel renovation need an SMA permit?
Usually yes. Waikiki is entirely within the SMA, so most exterior and valuation-triggered work needs at least an SMA minor permit under Sec. 25-5.2 and often a major permit.
How does HCDA review interact with SMA permits in Kakaako makai?
HCDA handles Kakaako development plan approvals, while SMA permits under Chapter 25 apply separately for projects within the SMA boundary, requiring both approvals in many cases.
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