Water Restrictions: Honolulu vs Kapolei
How do water restrictions rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Kapolei, HI?
Honolulu and Kapolei 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 →Kapolei, HI
Honolulu County
Kapolei outdoor water use is regulated by ROH Chapter 30 and Board of Water Supply shortage stages that restrict irrigation during leeward droughts.
View full Kapolei rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Operational rules | - | BWS shortage stages 1-4 |
| Non-potable source | - | Honouliuli recycled water |
| Context | - | Leeward drought priority |
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.
Kapolei FAQ
Are there permanent watering days in Kapolei?
Not permanently. Day restrictions apply when BWS declares a shortage stage. Kapolei is usually one of the first areas tightened during leeward droughts.
Can Kapolei businesses use recycled water for irrigation?
Yes. BWS supplies Honouliuli recycled non-potable water to qualified Kapolei commercial and resort users for landscape irrigation under separate service agreements.
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