10 rules for unincorporated Hawaii County, Hawaii.
Verified from official government sources
Raising poultry, bees and other livestock is a permitted use in Hawai'i County's Agricultural zoning districts under state law. In residential zones roosters and large flocks are restricted, and feral-fowl noise is a chronic Big Island issue handled through nuisance rules.
In County of Hawai'i parks, school grounds and airports a dog must be on a leash no longer than six feet, and dogs are banned entirely from County beach parks. Letting a dog stray onto public or private land is separately finable.
Hawai'i County Code Chapter 4 (Animals)
No person shall bring or permit any dog in any County park, public school ground, or airport unless it is held under control by a suitable leash, not more than six feet long; provided, however, that dogs even under control by a suitable leash shall not be allowed in any County beach park.
Hawai'i County has no breed-specific ban. State law bars any county from deeming a dog dangerous or vicious based only on its breed, so pit bulls and other breeds are legal on the Big Island; dangerous-dog status is judged by behavior, not breed.
After Bill 144 (2024), Hawai'i County allows beekeeping in every zoning district island-wide. Apiaries must sit at least 25 feet from any property line (15 feet behind a flyway barrier), and lots under 20,000 sq ft are limited to about 15 standard hives.
Hawaii bans most exotic animals statewide to protect its ecosystem. Snakes, iguanas, ferrets, hedgehogs, gerbils, hamsters and mongooses are illegal to import or keep on the Big Island; the State Department of Agriculture enforces the list and penalties are severe.
Ordinance No. 25-63 (Bill 51, 2025) makes it illegal to feed feral animals, including cats, chickens, pigs and goats, on County of Hawai'i property, to protect native wildlife. Fines are $50 for a first violation and $500 for each additional violation.
Cattle, horses, goats and other livestock are permitted uses in the Big Island's Agricultural zoning districts under HRS 205-4.5, along with boarding stables and riding academies. Pen feeding, piggeries and apiaries must be on a site approved by the State Department of Health.
Hawai'i County has no separate hoarding ordinance; the matter is handled under state cruelty law. Depriving pet animals of necessary sustenance is cruelty in the second degree (HRS 711-1109), a misdemeanor that becomes a class C felony when ten or more pet animals are involved.
Hawai'i County Code sets no fixed numeric limit on the number of dogs or cats a household may own. Instead, control comes through licensing, the barking-dog nuisance rule, kennel zoning for large numbers, and the state animal-cruelty/hoarding laws.
Cats are not licensed on the Big Island and there is no leash requirement, but feral-cat management is a live issue: County Ordinance 25-63 (Bill 51) bans feeding feral animals, including cats, on County property, while allowing sanctioned trap-neuter-return programs.
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