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Hawaii County, HI Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Outdoor burning rules in Hawaii County, 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

Governing rule
HAR 11-60.1 Subchapter 3
Regulator
DOH Clean Air Branch
Backyard trash burning
Prohibited
Ag burning
Permit (AGP) required
No-burn periods
Override permits

Summary

Open burning is generally prohibited statewide under Hawai'i Department of Health air rules (HAR 11-60.1). Narrow exceptions cover cooking, fire training, and legitimate agricultural burning with a state permit. Backyard trash and green-waste burning is not allowed.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Hawaii County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

no person, with or without an agricultural burning permit, shall cause or allow agricultural burning or conditionally allowed open burning from subsection 11-60.1-52(e) when a 'no-burn' period has been declared by the director.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The Hawai'i Department of Health Clean Air Branch regulates open burning under HAR Title 11, Chapter 60.1, Subchapter 3, and administers the Agricultural Burning Permit (AGP) program. Open burning is prohibited except for limited uses such as cooking, fire training, and permitted agricultural green-waste burning by bona fide agricultural operations. Permit conditions govern where and when burning may occur, what may be burned, and buffers to protect schools, highways, and airports from smoke. Even permit holders may not burn during a declared no-burn period. On the Big Island, county fire officials also may restrict burning during drought and high wildfire risk.

Violations & Fines

Illegal open burning is enforced by DOH Clean Air Branch and can bring administrative penalties; agricultural burning during a declared no-burn period is prohibited even with a valid AGP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I burn yard waste or trash in my yard?
No. Open burning is generally prohibited under HAR 11-60.1. Green waste should be composted or hauled to a county transfer station; only permitted agricultural operations may burn.
Who issues agricultural burn permits?
The State Department of Health Clean Air Branch, not the county fire department, administers the Agricultural Burning Permit program for bona fide agricultural operations.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hawaii County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsFireworksSome RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Hawaii County rules

How Hawaii County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Hawaii County to another location·View the Hawaii fire regulations overview

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