Honolulu's Fire Code requires property owners in hazardous fire areas to maintain a 30-foot defensible space around structures by removing flammable vegetation and combustible growth at all times.
ROH Chapter 20 (Fire Code of the City and County of Honolulu) adopts and amends NFPA 1, including Section 17.3.5.2.1.11.6 on brush clearance. Owners, lessees, or occupants of buildings in hazardous fire areas must maintain a 30-foot firebreak by clearing flammable vegetation and combustible growth around all structures. When required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (Honolulu Fire Department) due to heightened hazards, clearance from 30 to 100 feet may be mandated. Isolated ornamental trees or ground-cover plants that do not transmit fire are exempt. The Honolulu Fire Department inspects and enforces compliance.
Violations of ROH Chapter 20 are subject to civil fines and mandatory abatement orders; repeat or willful non-compliance can result in escalating penalties up to $10,000.
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 brush clearance.
See how Honolulu's brush clearance rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.