ROH Chapter 20 incorporates NFPA 1 Section 10.18, requiring owners in or adjoining hazardous fire areas to clear brush and maintain firebreaks around structures on Oahu.
Through adoption of NFPA 1 (2021) Section 10.18, ROH Chapter 20 imposes defensible space duties on Oahu property owners whose parcels lie in or next to hazardous fire areas designated by the Honolulu Fire Chief. Owners must clear flammable native growth within 30 feet of structures, and the Authority Having Jurisdiction may extend the required firebreak to 30 to 100 feet when fuel, slope, or weather conditions warrant. Roof and gutter debris must be removed, and chimney spark arresters are required. The HFD can order abatement at the owner's expense.
Failure to maintain firebreaks can lead to abatement notices, HFD-ordered clearance, cost recovery liens against the property, and Fire Code penalties.
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See how Honolulu County's brush clearance rules stack up against other locations.
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