Property Maintenance in Honolulu County, HI (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Honolulu County, Hawaii.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Honolulu County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Property Blight

Under Revised Ordinances of Honolulu § 16A-10.2, any building on Oahu that the building official determines is substandard, unsafe, or endangers life, health, or safety is automatically declared a public nuisance. The building official can issue a notice of violation, follow with a notice of order carrying civil fines up to $1,000 per day, and ask the corporation counsel to seek a court injunction forcing repair, demolition, or removal of the building.

Honolulu Substandard Building Nuisance Rules

Significant Restrictions

ROH §§ 16A-10.2, 16A-2.1, 16A-10.5(b)(1), 16A-10.5(c)

Buildings that are substandard, as defined by this code, are declared to be public nuisances. ... (3) Any structure that is determined to be a substandard building by the building official pursuant to an enforcement order or a declaratory ruling. ... Substandard Building. Any building or portion thereof that is determined to be an unsafe building in accordance with the building code or that end...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Owners of vacant and improved lots across Oahu must keep their property free of weeds, garbage, trash, and waste at all times under ROH § 40-7.3. The Department of Planning and Permitting can order cleanup after 30 days' notice, bill the owner for city-performed removal, and impose civil fines up to $5,000 per day for continued noncompliance.

Honolulu Vacant Lot Weeds, Garbage & Trash Rule

Some Restrictions

ROH §§ 40-7.3, 40-7.4(b), 40-7.5(a)(1)(B)-(C)

§ 40-7.3 Regulations for premises. The owner of property shall at all times maintain the premises free of weeds, garbage, trash, and waste. ... § 40-7.4(b) The owner of such property shall be given 30 calendar days within which to commence the cutting and removal of weeds, garbage, trash, or waste as described in the notice. ... § 40-7.5(a)(1) The order may require the party responsible for the...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Honolulu County ordinances

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