HOA Restrictions: Honolulu vs Urban Honolulu
How do hoa restrictions rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?
Honolulu and Urban Honolulu 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 →Urban Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Urban Honolulu follows HRS Sec. 196-7, which voids HOA or townhouse-association bans on solar devices for single-family dwellings and townhouses in neighborhoods like Hawaii Kai, Kahala, and Salt Lake.
View full Urban Honolulu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Urban Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | HRS Sec. 196-7 | HRS Sec. 196-7 |
| Efficiency limit | Max 25% reduction | Max 25% reduction |
| Cost limit | Max 15% increase | Max 15% increase |
| Covered homes | Single-family and townhouse | - |
| HOA fees | Prohibited for solar | - |
| Covered | - | Single-family and townhouse |
| Condo carve-out | - | AOAO controls rooftops |
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.
Urban Honolulu FAQ
Can a townhouse HOA in Salt Lake ban solar panels?
No. HRS Sec. 196-7 voids HOA bans for single-family and townhouse owners. Fees tied to solar device installation are also prohibited by state statute.
Does the statute cover my Waikiki condo?
Not in the same way. Condo rooftops are AOAO-controlled common elements; installation requires association approval. HRS Sec. 196-7 squarely covers single-family and townhouse owners.
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