Kailua properties within the Special Management Area along Kailua and Lanikai beaches require SMA permits under ROH Chapter 25 before most development or significant improvements proceed.
Chapter 25 implements HRS Chapter 205A coastal zone management across the City and County of Honolulu. The SMA extends inland from the shoreline and covers much of Kailua's beach and canal-fronting neighborhoods. Minor SMA permits under Sec. 25-5.2 apply to projects under a valuation threshold, while major SMA permits under Sec. 25-5.3 are required for larger developments and reviewed by the Planning Commission. Shoreline setback variances may also be needed close to the beach. Typical triggers include new homes, substantial additions, pools, and structural seawall work. Given sea-level rise risk on the windward coast, review standards have tightened in recent years.
Unpermitted coastal construction, grading, or shoreline hardening can result in restoration orders, stop-work directives, and significant fines.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Kailua, HI
ROH §21-4.80 restricts outdoor amplified music and PA systems at Kailua commercial sites adjacent to residential districts, and §41-6.1 bars amplified sound ...
Kailua, HI
Retaining walls in Kailua follow ROH Sec. 21-4.40, which caps fill-retention walls within required yards at 6 feet. Terraced walls count toward combined heig...
Kailua, HI
Kailua households may keep no more than two chickens for noncommercial purposes, and roosters are prohibited outright. Enclosures must meet zoning setbacks a...
Kailua, HI
Kailua has no dedicated beekeeping ordinance. Beekeeping is treated as an agricultural accessory use permitted only in zoning districts that allow agricultur...
Kailua, HI
ROH 7-2.5 caps Kailua households at ten dogs or ten cats, and Hawaii state law criminalizes hoarding more than fifteen dogs and cats combined when neglect is...
Kailua, HI
Dogs in Kailua must be restrained by a leash no longer than eight feet on public streets, school grounds, and any public place, including popular beach-acces...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Honolulu County.
See how other cities in Honolulu County handle coastal development.
See how Kailua's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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