Dark Sky Rules: Honolulu vs Waipahu
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Waipahu, HI?
Honolulu and Waipahu have similar restriction levels.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Honolulu County's LUO 21-4.100 requires full cut-off shielded outdoor fixtures for commercial, industrial, and outdoor-recreational development to prevent direct illumination of nearby residential and resort districts, complementing state night sky policy.
View full Honolulu rules →Waipahu, HI
Honolulu County
Waipahu commercial, industrial, and recreational development must use full cut-off shielded fixtures under ROH 21-4.100, protecting dense plantation-era residential blocks from light spill.
View full Waipahu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Waipahu |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | LUO 21-4.100 | ROH 21-4.100 |
| Fixture type | Full cut-off shielded | Full cut-off shielded |
| Scope | Commercial, industrial, rec | - |
| Rooftop areas | Shielded beyond edge | - |
| State policy | HRS 201-8.5 | - |
| Applies to | - | Commercial/industrial |
| State companion | - | HRS 201-8.5 |
| Rooftop rule | - | Shield beyond rooftop |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Honolulu FAQ
Do dark-sky rules apply to homes?
LUO 21-4.100 targets commercial, industrial, and outdoor-recreational development. Residential lighting is reached mainly through nuisance rules and shielding spillover requirements.
What is a full cut-off fixture?
A fixture that emits no light above the horizontal plane through the lamp, preventing upward glow and direct trespass onto adjacent properties.
Waipahu FAQ
Does the rule cover shopping centers on Farrington Highway?
Yes. Commercial sites along Farrington Highway must install full cut-off shielded fixtures to eliminate light spill onto adjacent residential Waipahu blocks.
What is a full cut-off fixture?
A fixture designed so no light is emitted above horizontal, directing all output downward. This is the standard required by ROH 21-4.100.
Are Waipahu sports field lights regulated?
Yes. Outdoor recreational lighting is covered by LUO 21-4.100 and must use shielded fixtures that eliminate illumination onto neighboring residential properties.
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