Fire pit rules in Honolulu, HI — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Honolulu regulates open burning under ROH Chapter 20 (Fire Code). Recreational, decorative, or ceremonial fires require prior written permission from the property owner and advance HFD approval; all fires must be reported to dispatch before ignition.
ROH Chapter 20, §20-1.1 adopts NFPA 1 and includes Section 10.11.1 on open burning. Recreational or ceremonial fires require written owner permission plus a letter to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (Honolulu Fire Department) at least 14 days before the event stating date, time, and location. Responsible parties must call HFD Fire Communications Center 15 minutes before lighting. Cooking fires not enclosed in an appliance (e.g., imu) require the same 15-minute pre-notification. For buildings other than one- or two-family dwellings, grills and hibachis are prohibited within 10 feet of any structure without AHJ approval. Violations carry fines up to $1,000 or up to one year imprisonment.
Violation of Chapter 20 open burning rules: fine up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment up to one year per incident; HFD may extinguish unauthorized fires.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Honolulu County.
See how other cities in Honolulu County handle fire pit rules.
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