Outdoor burning rules in 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.
Honolulu regulates open outdoor burning under ROH Chapter 20 (Fire Code). Most open burning requires prior notification or written AHJ approval, and is prohibited when deemed a fire hazard.
ROH § 20-1.1 adopts NFPA 1 as the City and County of Honolulu Fire Code. Section 10.11.1 of that code governs open burning: recreational or ceremonial fires require written property-owner permission plus a letter submitted to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) at least 14 days in advance, and the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Fire Communication Center must be notified 15 minutes before lighting. Cooking fires not in an appliance (e.g., imu) require HFD notification 15 minutes before lighting. The AHJ may prohibit any open burning when it constitutes a fire hazard. Permits and licenses are addressed in ROH Chapter 20, Article 6.
Violations are a misdemeanor: fine up to $1,000 and/or up to 1 year imprisonment. Each day of continued violation constitutes a separate offense.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Honolulu County.
See how other cities in Honolulu County handle outdoor burning.
See how Honolulu's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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