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.
Kailua, HI
Residential pool barriers in Kailua must meet ROH Sec. 16-6.2, which mandates fencing and other protective devices around swimming pools. These rules reduce ...
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 fence materials are defined under ROH Sec. 21-4.60, which recognizes wrought iron, wire, wood, vinyl, plastic, and masonry with post foundations. Corr...
Kailua, HI
Fences along shared property lines in Kailua are governed by ROH Sec. 21-4.30 yard and setback rules. Honolulu has no dedicated spite-fence statute, so dispu...
Kailua, HI
Kailua public parks are closed to entry during posted night hours under ROH Sec. 10-1.2, with narrow exceptions for traversing beach parks to reach the shore...
Kailua, HI
Kailua follows the state juvenile curfew under HRS Sec. 577-16, which bars children under 16 from public places between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. without a pa...
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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