Water Restrictions: Honolulu vs Urban Honolulu
How do water restrictions rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?
Honolulu and Urban Honolulu 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 →Urban Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Urban Honolulu follows ROH Sec. 30-2.3 for water conservation authority, with Board of Water Supply shortage-stage rules hitting high-rise condos in Waikiki and Ala Moana through landscape irrigation limits.
View full Urban Honolulu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Urban Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| 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 section | - | ROH Sec. 30-2.3 |
| Shortage rules | - | Board of Water Supply |
| Stages | - | Stages 1 through 4 |
| Urban impact | - | Condo, hotel, Kakaako |
| Non-potable irrigation | - | Allowed |
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.
Urban Honolulu FAQ
How do shortage rules affect Waikiki hotels?
BWS stage-based restrictions tighten landscape irrigation, pool-deck washing, and non-essential use. Large hotels typically pre-file conservation plans to maintain tourist operations.
Can my condo still use recycled water for landscaping?
Yes. ROH Sec. 30-2.3 allows non-potable sources. Many Ala Moana and Kakaako towers pipe in reclaimed water for common-area irrigation.
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