Hawaii County, HI Hurricane Preparedness: Roof Standards (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing provision
- HCC § 5A-3-25, Appendix W
- Region classification
- Hawai'i is a hurricane-prone region
- High wind threshold
- Above 100 mph triggers AF&PA WFCM/SSTD-10
- Roof span range in table
- 12 to 40 feet, 85 to 130 mph
- Framing spacing adjustment
- 0.67x at 16 inches, 0.5x at 12 inches o.c.
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine, 30 days jail, per day
Summary
New construction on the Big Island must meet Hawaii County's Appendix W wind design rules, county-specific roof-to-wall uplift connector ratings, and stricter framing methods once basic wind speed tops 100 mph. The whole island falls in a federally designated hurricane-prone, wind-borne debris region.
2308.2.1 Basic wind speed greater than 100 mph. Where the Effective Basic Wind Speed exceeds 100 mph, the provisions of the AF&PA WFCM, or the SBCCI SSTD 10 are permitted to be used. ... a. The uplift connection requirements are based on a 30-foot mean roof height located in Exposure B. For Exposure C and for other mean roof heights, multiply the above loads by the adjustment coefficients below. ... b. The uplift connection requirements are based on the framing being spaced 24 inches on center. Multiply by 0.67 for framing spaced 16 inches on center and multiply by 0.5 for framing spaced 12 inches on center. c. The uplift connection requirements include an allowance for 10 pounds of dead load.
Full Breakdown
Hawaii County added Appendix W, "Hawaiʻi Wind Design Provisions for New Construction," to the International Building Code by ordinance, codified at HCC § 5A-3-25, and it applies to new construction countywide because § 5A-3-21 makes the appendix part of the adopted building code rather than an optional model provision. 1 so that where the effective basic wind speed exceeds 100 mph, conventional light-frame construction must instead follow the AF&PA Wood Frame Construction Manual or SBCCI SSTD 10, both stricter than baseline prescriptive framing. 1 with county-specific required ratings, in pounds, for approved roof uplift connectors, scaled to effective basic wind speed (85 to 130 mph) and roof span (12 to 40 feet), plus a separate overhang load in pounds per foot.
5 for 12-inch spacing, and add an allowance already built in for 10 pounds of dead load per connector. 2. Kd directionality factors used in these calculations are further set by county-specific tables tied to district (North/South Kohala, South Kona, South Hilo, and Puna get lower values below 3,000 feet elevation than the rest of the island).
Violations & Fines
Building without a permit that reflects these amended wind and uplift provisions, or performing uninspected work in violation of the adopted building code, is a violation under HCC § 5-10-1. Enforcement follows the same construction-code track as any other building violation: an administrative notice and order under § 5-10-2, or criminal prosecution under § 5-10-3 carrying a fine of up to $1,000 and up to thirty days in jail per day of continued violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hawaii County have its own wind design rules for roofs?
What triggers stricter framing methods under the county's wind rules?
Is all of Hawaii Island classified as hurricane-prone?
Do uplift connector ratings differ by district on the island?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hawaii County
Compare Hawaii County to another location·View the Hawaii hurricane preparedness overview
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