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🌿 Landscaping Rules/Water Restrictions

Kailua vs Urban Honolulu

How do water restrictions rules compare between Kailua, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?

Kailua and Urban Honolulu have similar restriction levels.

Kailua, HI

Honolulu County

Some Restrictions

Kailua irrigation users along Kailua Beach and Lanikai must follow Board of Water Supply drought stages; ROH Chapter 30 sets broader management policy.

View full Kailua rules β†’

Urban Honolulu, HI

Honolulu County

Some Restrictions

Urban Honolulu follows ROH Sec. 30-2.3 for water conservation authority, with Board of Water Supply shortage-stage rules hitting high-rise condos in Waikiki and Ala Moana through landscape irrigation limits.

View full Urban Honolulu rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactKailuaUrban Honolulu
CodeROH Sec. 30-2.3-
OperatorBoard of Water Supply-
Drought stages1 through 4-
Typical limitsDay-of-week watering-
Code section-ROH Sec. 30-2.3
Shortage rules-Board of Water Supply
Stages-Stages 1 through 4
Urban impact-Condo, hotel, Kakaako
Non-potable irrigation-Allowed

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Kailua FAQ

Does windward Kailua get exemptions during drought?

No. BWS shortage declarations apply islandwide regardless of local rainfall. Kailua users must follow the same stage rules as leeward Oahu.

Can I run an automatic sprinkler at my Lanikai home overnight?

Under normal conditions, yes. During declared shortages, nighttime or assigned-day-only watering schedules apply and automatic controllers must be adjusted.

Urban Honolulu FAQ

How do shortage rules affect Waikiki hotels?

BWS stage-based restrictions tighten landscape irrigation, pool-deck washing, and non-essential use. Large hotels typically pre-file conservation plans to maintain tourist operations.

Can my condo still use recycled water for landscaping?

Yes. ROH Sec. 30-2.3 allows non-potable sources. Many Ala Moana and Kakaako towers pipe in reclaimed water for common-area irrigation.

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