Coastal Development: Ewa Gentry vs Urban Honolulu
How do coastal development rules compare between Ewa Gentry, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?
Ewa Gentry and Urban Honolulu have similar restriction levels.
Ewa Gentry, HI
Honolulu County
Ewa Gentry projects near the leeward coastline may fall within a Special Management Area regulated by ROH Chapter 25, implementing HRS Chapter 205A coastal zone management.
View full Ewa Gentry 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 | Ewa Gentry | 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.
Ewa Gentry FAQ
Is my Ewa Gentry home in the SMA?
Most Ewa Gentry interior lots are inland of the SMA, but confirm with the Department of Planning and Permitting before any coastal-adjacent project.
What triggers an SMA permit?
Development within the SMA boundary that meets the valuation or impact thresholds in Chapter 25 triggers either an SMA minor or SMA major permit.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Ewa Gentry and Urban Honolulu compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool