Honolulu vs Waipahu
How do beekeeping rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Waipahu, HI?
Honolulu and Waipahu have similar restriction levels.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Honolulu allows noncommercial beekeeping on any zoning lot of at least 5,000 sq ft. Hive numbers are capped by lot size, all colonies must be in movable-frame hives, and a 25-foot setback from property lines is required unless a flyway barrier is used.
View full Honolulu rules →Waipahu, HI
Honolulu County
Waipahu has no dedicated beekeeping ordinance. Apiaries are treated as agricultural under ROH Chapter 21, requiring state apiary registration under HRS 152 through Hawaii Department of Agriculture.
View full Waipahu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Waipahu |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft | - |
| Max hives (small lots <10k sq ft) | 2 hives | - |
| Setback from property line | 25 feet (or barrier) | - |
| Flyway barrier height | 6 feet minimum | - |
| Hive type required | Movable-frame only | - |
| Dedicated ordinance | - | None |
| Code chapter | - | ROH 21 (LUO) |
| State registration | - | HRS 152 |
| Permitted zones | - | Agricultural |
| Proposed setback | - | 25 feet (Bill 65) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Honolulu FAQ
Can I keep bees in a residential neighborhood?
Yes, on lots of 5,000+ sq ft in any zoning district for noncommercial purposes, subject to hive-count limits and the 25-foot setback or flyway barrier requirement under ROH § 7-2.5.
What counts as a flyway barrier to waive the 25-foot setback?
A solid fence, dense hedge, or similar barrier at least 6 feet high, parallel to the property line, extending at least 2 feet beyond each side of the hive openings, forcing bees to fly upward.
Waipahu FAQ
Can I keep bees on a Waipahu plantation-era lot?
Waipahu's dense R-5 lots rarely qualify. Consult DPP before installing hives. Nearby Kunia agricultural districts are a better fit for apiary operations.
Do I need to register my Waipahu hive?
Yes. HRS Chapter 152 requires all Hawaii apiaries to register with the Department of Agriculture, regardless of Honolulu County zoning approval.
What setbacks would Bill 65 impose?
The pending LUO draft proposes 25-foot setbacks, 5,000 square-foot minimum lots, and tiered hive caps of 2 to 6. Not yet enacted.
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