Grading & Drainage: Ewa Gentry vs Urban Honolulu
How do grading & drainage 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 grading, grubbing, stockpiling, and drainage work is regulated under ROH Chapter 18A, which requires permits, bonds, and inspections for qualifying land-disturbing activity.
View full Ewa Gentry rules →Urban Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Tower excavations and infill projects in Urban Honolulu must obtain grading permits under ROH Chapter 18A, with dewatering, shoring, and drainage coordination critical in Kakaako and Ala Moana's high water-table conditions.
View full Urban Honolulu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ewa Gentry | Urban Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Authority | - | ROH Chapter 18A |
| Application | - | Sec. 18A-2.2 |
| No-permit penalty | - | Sec. 18A-2.4A |
| Urban concern | - | Dewatering, shoring |
| Bonds | - | Required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ewa Gentry FAQ
Do I need a grading permit to regrade my Ewa Gentry backyard?
If the work exceeds the volume or slope thresholds in Chapter 18A, a grading permit is required along with any needed erosion control plan.
What happens if I grade without a permit?
Sec. 18A-2.4A treats grading without a permit as a violation, which can lead to stop work orders, penalties, and required remediation.
Urban Honolulu FAQ
Does a Kakaako tower need a grading permit even on a small lot?
Yes. Basement excavation easily exceeds Chapter 18A thresholds, and Sec. 18A-2.2 requires a full permit application including hydrology and shoring plans before work.
How is dewatering handled in Urban Honolulu excavations?
Grading plans must coordinate with ROH Chapter 43 Article 11 stormwater rules. Dewatering discharges typically require separate NPDES coverage and cannot be released untreated.
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