East Honolulu, HI Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in East Honolulu, HI, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- ROH Sec. 10.11.1.1
- Permitted Categories
- 7 listed (cooking, recreational, hazard, etc.)
- State Overlay
- HAR Ch. 11-60.1 (DOH open burning)
Summary
All open burning in East Honolulu must comply with the Honolulu Fire Code: most categories require a letter to the fire department 14 days in advance and a 15-minute pre-light notice, and burning may be prohibited entirely when deemed a hazard.
10.11.1.1 Compliance. Open burning shall comply with the following:
1. Fires for Cooking Food. Persons responsible for such fires not contained within an appliance, such as an imu, shall notify the HFD's Fire Communication Center (FCC) 15 minutes prior to lighting such fires.
3. Fires to Abate a Fire Hazard. Obtain written permission from the property owner. Submit a letter to the AHJ for approval at least 14 days prior to the event, noting the date, time, and location of the fire. Persons responsible shall notify the HFD's FCC 15 minutes prior to lighting such fires.
4. Fires for Prevention or Control of Disease or Pests. Obtain written permission from the property owner. Submit a letter to the AHJ for approval at least 14 days prior to the event, noting the date, time, and location of the fire. Persons responsible shall notify the HFD's FCC 15 minutes prior to lighting such fires.
Full Breakdown
East Honolulu is governed by the Fire Code of the City and County of Honolulu (Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, Chapter 20). ROH Section 10.11.1.1 lists the only permitted categories of open burning: cooking food (e.g., an imu), recreational/decorative/ceremonial fires, fires to abate a fire hazard, disease or pest control, firefighter training, disposal of dangerous materials, and residential bathing. Most categories require written owner permission and a letter to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) at least 14 days prior, plus notification to the Honolulu Fire Department's Fire Communication Center (FCC) 15 minutes before lighting. Private incineration is prohibited by State health laws. Note that under Hawaii Department of Health Administrative Rules (HAR Chapter 11-60.1) agricultural and other open burning is separately regulated statewide.
Violations & Fines
Violations of the Fire Code are punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment of up to one year, or both, per ROH Chapter 20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of open burning are allowed in East Honolulu?
Does cooking in an imu require notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in East Honolulu
How East Honolulu compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare East Honolulu to another location·View the Hawaii fire regulations overview
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