Honolulu vs Kaneohe
How do water restrictions rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Kaneohe, HI?
Honolulu and Kaneohe 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 →Kaneohe, HI
Honolulu County
Kaneohe irrigation follows Board of Water Supply drought schedules; ROH Chapter 30 Sec. 30-2.3 frames the city's water management and conservation policy.
View full Kaneohe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Kaneohe |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Focus | - | Day and time-of-day limits |
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.
Kaneohe FAQ
Does Kaneohe's high rainfall exempt it from drought stages?
No. BWS shortage declarations apply islandwide and are tied to aquifer health, not local rainfall alone. Kaneohe users follow the same stage rules.
Can Kaneohe homeowners wash driveways during drought?
Declared stages commonly prohibit potable hose washing of hard surfaces. Use a bucket, broom, or a recycled water source when permitted.
Compare other topics
See how Honolulu and Kaneohe 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