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β˜€οΈ Solar Energy/HOA Restrictions

Pearl City vs Urban Honolulu

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

Pearl City and Urban Honolulu have similar restriction levels.

Pearl City, HI

Honolulu County

Few Restrictions

Pearl City HOAs and condo associations cannot prevent solar installation on single-family dwellings or townhouses owned by homeowners under HRS Sec. 196-7 state preemption.

View full Pearl City rules β†’

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 β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactPearl CityUrban Honolulu
StatuteHRS Sec. 196-7HRS Sec. 196-7
Efficiency limitNo more than 25 percent lossMax 25% reduction
Cost limitNo more than 15 percent increaseMax 15% increase
ScopeSingle-family and townhouse-
Covered-Single-family and townhouse
Condo carve-out-AOAO controls rooftops

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Pearl City FAQ

Can my Pearl City townhouse HOA deny solar?

No. HRS Sec. 196-7 voids HOA provisions preventing solar device installation on a townhouse or single-family home you own.

Does state preemption cover Pearl City condominium units?

HRS Sec. 196-7 squarely covers single-family and townhouse units. Stacked condos share roofs, so installations usually require board coordination for common elements.

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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