Shoreline and bay-fronting Kaneohe properties lie in the Special Management Area under ROH Chapter 25 and generally require SMA permits for development.
Chapter 25 implements HRS Chapter 205A for Oahu. Much of Kaneohe's shoreline, canal network, and properties bordering Kaneohe Bay and Heeia Stream fall within the SMA. Minor SMA permits under Sec. 25-5.2 apply to smaller projects, while major SMA permits under Sec. 25-5.3 go before the Planning Commission. Shoreline setback variances are regulated separately and typically needed for construction near the water's edge. Because Kaneohe Bay supports sensitive reef habitat and traditional Hawaiian fishponds like Heeia, SMA review weighs environmental and cultural impacts heavily. Piers, seawalls, and dredging usually require both city and state approvals.
Unpermitted shoreline work, unauthorized seawalls, or dredging can result in restoration orders and substantial penalties.
Kaneohe, HI
Residential pool barriers in Kaneohe must meet ROH Sec. 16-6.2, which requires enclosures, self-closing gates, and opening limits to protect children. Compli...
Kaneohe, HI
Kaneohe's rolling terrain makes ROH Sec. 21-4.40 retaining wall rules especially relevant. Fill-retention walls in required yards cannot exceed 6 feet, and t...
Kaneohe, HI
Kaneohe fence materials are defined under ROH Sec. 21-4.60, recognizing wrought iron, wire, wood, vinyl, plastic, and masonry. The high-rainfall windward cli...
Kaneohe, HI
Kaneohe neighbor fence disputes are governed by ROH Sec. 21-4.30 yard rules. Honolulu has no spite-fence ordinance, so disputes outside code violations are h...
Kaneohe, HI
Public parks in Kaneohe are closed during posted night hours under ROH Sec. 10-1.2, with narrow exceptions for shoreline access through beach parks.
Kaneohe, HI
Kaneohe follows the state juvenile curfew under HRS Sec. 577-16 barring children under 16 from public places between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. without a parent or g...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Honolulu County.
See how other cities in Honolulu County handle coastal development.
See how Kaneohe's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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