Coastal Development: Kapolei vs Urban Honolulu
How do coastal development rules compare between Kapolei, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?
Kapolei and Urban Honolulu have similar restriction levels.
Kapolei, HI
Honolulu County
Kapolei projects near the leeward coast may fall within a Special Management Area regulated by ROH Chapter 25, implementing Hawaii's HRS Chapter 205A coastal zone management program.
View full Kapolei 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 | Kapolei | 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.
Kapolei FAQ
Is Kapolei itself within the SMA?
Most of the Kapolei urban core is inland of the SMA, but coastal-adjacent parcels and certain corridors may fall within the SMA boundary.
Do I need an SMA permit to rebuild a coastal-area wall?
Possibly. Any development within the SMA meeting Chapter 25's thresholds requires an SMA minor or major permit before work begins.
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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