Kailua vs Pearl City
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Kailua, HI and Pearl City, HI?
Pearl City has fewer restrictions than Kailua.
Kailua, HI
Honolulu County
Commercial, industrial, and outdoor-recreation lighting in Kailua must use full cut-off shielded fixtures to protect night skies and adjacent residential areas, consistent with state night sky policy.
View full Kailua rules →Pearl City, HI
Honolulu County
Pearl City commercial, industrial, and recreational development must use full cut-off shielded fixtures under ROH 21-4.100, protecting residential neighborhoods and Pearl Harbor security lighting corridors.
View full Pearl City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kailua | Pearl City |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Code section | - | ROH 21-4.100 |
| Fixture type | - | Full cut-off shielded |
| Applies to | - | Commercial/industrial |
| State companion | - | HRS 201-8.5 |
| Rooftop rule | - | Shield beyond rooftop |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kailua FAQ
Does this apply to my home security light?
Residential single-family fixtures are not the main focus, but trespass onto neighbors can still be actionable under nuisance rules.
Is rooftop restaurant lighting covered?
Yes. Non-enclosed rooftop spaces must be shielded to prevent light from escaping beyond the rooftop.
Pearl City FAQ
Does the ordinance apply to Pearl City big-box retail?
Yes. Large commercial sites along Kamehameha Highway must install full cut-off shielded fixtures to eliminate light spill onto adjacent residential Pearl City.
Are military installation lights regulated?
JBPHH federal installations follow DoD lighting standards, not ROH 21-4.100. Surrounding private Pearl City development remains subject to the county ordinance.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Kailua and Pearl City compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool