Honolulu's storm drain system discharges directly to the ocean, so ROH chapter 14 article 12 prohibits non-stormwater discharges and requires best management practices on construction and industrial sites.
Under ROH Chapter 14 Article 12, only rainwater may enter the city's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). Wash water, paint, concrete slurry, oils, and chlorinated pool water are prohibited discharges. Construction sites disturbing one acre or more need a state NPDES permit plus a city grading permit, and must install silt fences, inlet protection, and stabilized entrances. Commercial sites must keep dumpsters covered and clean spills promptly. The Department of Facility Maintenance enforces, while the Department of Environmental Services oversees the broader MS4 program.
Hosing pollutants into a storm drain or working without erosion controls can bring notices of violation, daily civil penalties, and required cleanup or restoration.
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
Honolulu has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. HOA and condo covenants under HRS 421J and 514B commonly regulate ornament...
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 stormwater management.
See how Honolulu's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
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