HOA Restrictions: Honolulu vs Kaneohe
How do hoa restrictions rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Kaneohe, HI?
Honolulu and Kaneohe have similar restriction levels.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Honolulu County defers to HRS Sec. 196-7, which preempts HOA bans on solar devices for single-family dwellings and townhouses across Oahu, voiding contrary lease or association provisions.
View full Honolulu rules →Kaneohe, HI
Honolulu County
Kaneohe homeowner associations cannot block solar panel installation on single-family homes or townhouses under Hawaii state law HRS Sec. 196-7.
View full Kaneohe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Kaneohe |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | HRS Sec. 196-7 | - |
| Efficiency limit | Max 25% reduction | Max 25 percent reduction |
| Cost limit | Max 15% increase | Max 15 percent increase |
| Covered homes | Single-family and townhouse | - |
| HOA fees | Prohibited for solar | - |
| State code | - | HRS Sec. 196-7 |
| Preemption | - | Voids contrary CC&Rs |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Honolulu FAQ
Can my HOA ban rooftop solar panels in Honolulu County?
No. HRS Sec. 196-7 voids any HOA rule that prevents solar device installation on single-family dwellings or townhouses owned by the homeowner.
Can my HOA charge fees for solar installation?
No. HRS Sec. 196-7 prohibits HOA fees for placement of solar devices and bars restrictions that meaningfully reduce system efficiency or raise costs.
Kaneohe FAQ
Can Kaneohe townhouse HOAs require panel screening?
Only if the screening does not reduce efficiency by more than 25 percent or raise cost by more than 15 percent. Otherwise the rule is void.
Do condo unit owners in Kaneohe Bay condos have the same rights?
HRS Sec. 196-7 covers single-family and townhouse owners. Condominium common-element roofs remain subject to association placement decisions.
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