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☀️ Solar Energy/HOA Restrictions

HOA Restrictions: Kaneohe vs Urban Honolulu

How do hoa restrictions rules compare between Kaneohe, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?

Kaneohe and Urban Honolulu have similar restriction levels.

Kaneohe, HI

Honolulu County

Few Restrictions

Kaneohe homeowner associations cannot block solar panel installation on single-family homes or townhouses under Hawaii state law HRS Sec. 196-7.

View full Kaneohe rules →

Urban Honolulu, HI

Honolulu County

Few Restrictions

Urban Honolulu follows HRS Sec. 196-7, which voids HOA or townhouse-association bans on solar devices for single-family dwellings and townhouses in neighborhoods like Hawaii Kai, Kahala, and Salt Lake.

View full Urban Honolulu rules →

Key Facts Comparison

FactKaneoheUrban Honolulu
State codeHRS Sec. 196-7-
PreemptionVoids contrary CC&Rs-
Efficiency limitMax 25 percent reductionMax 25% reduction
Cost limitMax 15 percent increaseMax 15% increase
Statute-HRS Sec. 196-7
Covered-Single-family and townhouse
Condo carve-out-AOAO controls rooftops

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Kaneohe FAQ

Can Kaneohe townhouse HOAs require panel screening?

Only if the screening does not reduce efficiency by more than 25 percent or raise cost by more than 15 percent. Otherwise the rule is void.

Do condo unit owners in Kaneohe Bay condos have the same rights?

HRS Sec. 196-7 covers single-family and townhouse owners. Condominium common-element roofs remain subject to association placement decisions.

Urban Honolulu FAQ

Can a townhouse HOA in Salt Lake ban solar panels?

No. HRS Sec. 196-7 voids HOA bans for single-family and townhouse owners. Fees tied to solar device installation are also prohibited by state statute.

Does the statute cover my Waikiki condo?

Not in the same way. Condo rooftops are AOAO-controlled common elements; installation requires association approval. HRS Sec. 196-7 squarely covers single-family and townhouse owners.

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