Urban Honolulu's coastal zones, including Waikiki, Kakaako makai, and Ala Moana Beach Park frontage, fall within the Special Management Area, where ROH Chapter 25 requires SMA major or minor permits for most development.
Urban Honolulu's most iconic neighborhoods sit inside the SMA. Chapter 25 implements HRS 205A by requiring SMA major permits under Sec. 25-5.3 for developments above valuation thresholds or with significant coastal impacts, and SMA minor permits under Sec. 25-5.2 for smaller work. Waikiki hotel redevelopments, Ala Moana tower additions, and Kakaako makai projects commonly require SMA major review in addition to Honolulu Planning Commission and HCDA approvals where applicable. Shoreline setback variances under Sec. 25-1.3 definitions are tightly scrutinized for oceanfront parcels.
Beginning SMA work without the required permit can result in orders to halt and restore, civil fines up to $1,000 per day, and potential denial of future entitlements under Chapter 25 enforcement.
Urban Honolulu, HI
ROH 15-14.5 drives Schedule XXII no-parking signs throughout Urban Honolulu, while ROH 15-13.5 sets how close to the curb vehicles must park.
Urban Honolulu, HI
LUO 21-6.60 requires EV-ready stalls in new multi-family (8+ stalls) and commercial (12+ stalls) parking across Urban Honolulu, with compact resizing allowed...
Urban Honolulu, HI
ROH 15-16.6 prohibits storage parking of commercial vehicles on Urban Honolulu streets without posted signs; LUO 21-6.20 sets the companion off-street parkin...
Urban Honolulu, HI
Urban Honolulu has no blanket overnight parking ban; ROH 15-14.6 enforces parking prohibited during certain hours only on sign-posted routes.
Urban Honolulu, HI
ROH 15-14.1 prohibits stopping, standing, or parking in front of any public or private driveway or within 4 feet of either side across dense Urban Honolulu n...
Urban Honolulu, HI
Urban Honolulu property owners obtain fence and wall permits from the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting under ROH 18-3.1, which exempts retainin...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Honolulu County.
See how other cities in Honolulu County handle coastal development.
See how Urban Honolulu's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.