Honolulu vs Kailua
How do water restrictions rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Kailua, HI?
Honolulu and Kailua have similar restriction levels.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Honolulu's Board of Water Supply (BWS) may declare mandatory water-conservation stages restricting outdoor irrigation timing and volume. The Land Use Ordinance also requires permanent irrigation systems for required landscaping on development sites.
View full Honolulu rules →Kailua, HI
Honolulu County
Kailua irrigation users along Kailua Beach and Lanikai must follow Board of Water Supply drought stages; ROH Chapter 30 sets broader management policy.
View full Kailua rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Kailua |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation authority | Board of Water Supply (BWS) | - |
| Irrigation system required | Yes, for LUO-required landscaping | - |
| Restriction levels | Voluntary to mandatory stages | - |
| Violation penalty | Misdemeanor, daily fines | - |
| Code | - | ROH Sec. 30-2.3 |
| Operator | - | Board of Water Supply |
| Drought stages | - | 1 through 4 |
| Typical limits | - | Day-of-week watering |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Honolulu FAQ
Are there currently mandatory outdoor watering restrictions in Honolulu?
Restrictions vary; the BWS may activate mandatory conservation stages during drought. Check the BWS website or call (808) 748-5000 for the current status.
When is outdoor irrigation recommended to avoid waste?
BWS recommends watering before 9 AM or after 5 PM to minimize evaporation. Weather-based irrigation controllers are also encouraged year-round.
Does new construction need a permanent irrigation system?
Yes. ROH § 21-4.70 requires all required landscaping on development sites to have a permanent irrigation system installed.
Kailua FAQ
Does windward Kailua get exemptions during drought?
No. BWS shortage declarations apply islandwide regardless of local rainfall. Kailua users must follow the same stage rules as leeward Oahu.
Can I run an automatic sprinkler at my Lanikai home overnight?
Under normal conditions, yes. During declared shortages, nighttime or assigned-day-only watering schedules apply and automatic controllers must be adjusted.
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