Most development within Honolulu's Special Management Area (SMA) along Oahu's shoreline requires a special permit reviewed by DPP under HRS chapter 205A and ROH chapter 25.
Hawaii's Coastal Zone Management Act (HRS Chapter 205A) designates an SMA along all Oahu shorelines, generally extending inland from the shoreline to a mapped boundary. Development valued above $500,000, or any structure that may significantly affect coastal resources, requires an SMA Use Permit from the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP). Smaller projects need an SMA Minor Permit. Reviews consider beach access, view planes, erosion, and habitat. The Honolulu Planning Commission holds public hearings on Major SMA applications.
Building or grading inside the SMA without a permit can trigger stop-work orders, daily fines, and a court order to remove unpermitted structures.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu protects designated 'exceptional trees' under Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH) Chapter 40, Article 8. Removing or destroying any exceptional tre...
Honolulu, HI
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Honolulu, HI
Honolulu has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size and blower noise are governed by HOA and condo covenants under HRS 42...
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA and condo covenants ...
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu requires DPP building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas line plumbing, electrical wiring, plumbing fixtures, or structural roofs/pergolas. Stand...
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu has no smoker-specific ordinance. Hawaii Department of Health air pollution rules under HAR Chapter 11-60.1 apply to large commercial sources, not r...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Honolulu County.
See how other cities in Honolulu County handle coastal development.
See how Honolulu's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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