East Honolulu, HI Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Home-business zoning in East Honolulu is governed by the City and County of Honolulu Land Use Ordinance, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH) Chapter 21. Following Ordinance 25-2 (effective September 30, 2025), the home occupation standards moved to Section 21-5.50(c)(3), which defines a home occupation as 'an accessory use providing a service or product for compensation in a dwelling unit, in a building accessory to a dwelling unit, or on a zoning lot used primarily for dwelling purposes.' The general standards require that the exterior appearance and character of the dwelling remain that of a dwelling; that no internal or external alterations requiring a building permit and inconsistent with residential use be made; that there be no outdoor storage of materials or supplies; and that, under no circumstances, may the home occupation adversely impact the surrounding area due to increased traffic or parking demand, noise, smells or fumes, or the presence of dangerous or noxious activities. The predecessor section (21-5.350) similarly required the home occupation to be 'incidental and subordinate to the principal use of the site as a residence' and capped enclosed indoor storage of materials and supplies at 250 cubic feet or 20 percent of the total floor area, whichever is less. Home occupations are a permitted accessory use (designated 'P*') across the residential and most mixed-use districts in the LUO use table.