Coastal Development: Kailua vs Urban Honolulu
How do coastal development rules compare between Kailua, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?
Kailua and Urban Honolulu have similar restriction levels.
Kailua, HI
Honolulu County
Kailua properties within the Special Management Area along Kailua and Lanikai beaches require SMA permits under ROH Chapter 25 before most development or significant improvements proceed.
View full Kailua rules →Urban Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Urban Honolulu's coastal zones, including Waikiki, Kakaako makai, and Ala Moana Beach Park frontage, fall within the Special Management Area, where ROH Chapter 25 requires SMA major or minor permits for most development.
View full Urban Honolulu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kailua | Urban Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Authority | - | ROH Chapter 25 |
| State basis | - | HRS Chapter 205A |
| Major permit | - | Sec. 25-5.3 |
| Minor permit | - | Sec. 25-5.2 |
| Urban focus | - | Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kakaako makai |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kailua FAQ
Is my Kailua home in the SMA?
Properties within a set distance of the shoreline are likely inside the SMA; check the city's SMA map or contact DPP to confirm.
Do repairs need an SMA permit?
Ordinary maintenance is usually exempt, but structural additions or changes to footprint typically require at least a minor SMA permit.
Urban Honolulu FAQ
Does a Waikiki hotel renovation need an SMA permit?
Usually yes. Waikiki is entirely within the SMA, so most exterior and valuation-triggered work needs at least an SMA minor permit under Sec. 25-5.2 and often a major permit.
How does HCDA review interact with SMA permits in Kakaako makai?
HCDA handles Kakaako development plan approvals, while SMA permits under Chapter 25 apply separately for projects within the SMA boundary, requiring both approvals in many cases.
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See how Kailua and Urban Honolulu compare on other ordinance categories.
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