Dark Sky Rules: Urban Honolulu vs Waipahu
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Urban Honolulu, HI and Waipahu, HI?
Urban Honolulu and Waipahu have similar restriction levels.
Urban Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Honolulu's LUO 21-4.100 requires full cut-off shielded outdoor lighting for commercial, industrial, and outdoor-recreational development so that direct illumination does not spill into residential or resort districts, complementing the state night sky strategy.
View full Urban Honolulu rules →Waipahu, HI
Honolulu County
Waipahu commercial, industrial, and recreational development must use full cut-off shielded fixtures under ROH 21-4.100, protecting dense plantation-era residential blocks from light spill.
View full Waipahu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Urban Honolulu | Waipahu |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | LUO 21-4.100 | ROH 21-4.100 |
| Fixture type | Full cut-off shielded | Full cut-off shielded |
| Scope | Commercial, industrial, rec | - |
| Rooftop areas | Shielded beyond edge | - |
| State policy | HRS 201-8.5 | - |
| Applies to | - | Commercial/industrial |
| State companion | - | HRS 201-8.5 |
| Rooftop rule | - | Shield beyond rooftop |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Urban Honolulu FAQ
Do Honolulu rooftop bars need special lighting?
Yes. Non-enclosed rooftop gathering areas must be shielded under LUO 21-4.100 so that direct illumination does not extend beyond the rooftop edge.
Does the dark-sky rule apply to my house?
LUO 21-4.100 targets commercial, industrial, and outdoor-recreational development. Residential lighting is addressed through nuisance rules and spillover prohibitions.
Waipahu FAQ
Does the rule cover shopping centers on Farrington Highway?
Yes. Commercial sites along Farrington Highway must install full cut-off shielded fixtures to eliminate light spill onto adjacent residential Waipahu blocks.
What is a full cut-off fixture?
A fixture designed so no light is emitted above horizontal, directing all output downward. This is the standard required by ROH 21-4.100.
Are Waipahu sports field lights regulated?
Yes. Outdoor recreational lighting is covered by LUO 21-4.100 and must use shielded fixtures that eliminate illumination onto neighboring residential properties.
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