Dispensary Zoning: Honolulu vs Waipahu
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Waipahu, HI?
Honolulu and Waipahu have similar restriction levels.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
HawaiΚ»i authorizes only medical cannabis (HRS Β§329-121 et seq., 2000). Honolulu permits state-licensed dispensaries in commercial and industrial zones, with strict buffers from schools, parks, and playgrounds.
View full Honolulu rules βWaipahu, HI
Honolulu County
Medical cannabis dispensaries in Waipahu must comply with ROH Chapter 21 zoning and sit at least 750 feet from schools or playgrounds under HRS 329D-22. Retail hours are limited to 8 a.m. through 8 p.m.
View full Waipahu rules βKey Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Waipahu |
|---|---|---|
| Program type | Medical only | - |
| State law | HRS Ch. 329D (2015) | - |
| Buffer distance | 750 feet from schools | - |
| Allowed zones | B-2 and I-2 | - |
| Licensees on OΚ»ahu | 3 vertical operators | - |
| School buffer | - | 750 feet |
| Retail hours | - | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| State statute | - | HRS 329D-22 |
| County zoning | - | ROH Chapter 21 |
| Co-location | - | Prohibited |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Honolulu FAQ
Are recreational cannabis stores legal in Honolulu?
No. HawaiΚ»i has not legalized adult-use cannabis. Only medical cannabis with a state-issued patient card is lawful, sold through licensed dispensaries.
Can a dispensary open near a Honolulu school?
No. State law mandates a 750-foot buffer from schools, public housing, and playgrounds, and Honolulu zoning requires conditional-use approval.
Waipahu FAQ
Can a dispensary open on Farrington Highway in Waipahu?
Only if the parcel meets ROH 21 commercial zoning, sits outside the 750-foot school and playground buffer, and holds a state dispensary license. Buffer overlap limits options.
What hours may a Waipahu dispensary operate?
Retail is limited to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. HST daily under state dispensary rules. Cultivation and production hours are not similarly restricted.
Can a dispensary and grow site share an address?
No. HRS 329D-22 prohibits co-location of dispensary and production center. They must operate at separate addresses with separate zoning compliance.
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