Honolulu County, HI Hurricane Preparedness: Hurricane Shutters (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- Hawaii State Residential Code, R301.2.1.2
- Test standard
- ASTM E 1996 / E 1886
- Panel exception
- 7/16-inch wood panels, ≤8-ft span
- Height limit for panel exception
- Mean roof height ≤ 33 feet
Summary
Homes in windborne debris regions on Oahu must have glazed openings protected against flying debris, either with impact-rated glazing or approved wood-panel shutters.
R301.2.1.2 Protection of openings. Windows in Buildings located in windborne debris regions shall have glazed openings protected from windborne debris. Glazed opening protection for windborne debris shall meet the requirements of the Large Missile Test of ASTM E 1996 and of ASTM E 1886 referenced therein. Exceptions:
1. Wood structural panels with a minimum thickness of 7/16 inch (11 mm) and a maximum panel span of 8 feet (2,438 mm) shall be permitted for opening protection in one- and two-story Buildings classified as Group R-3 or R- 4 occupancy. Panels shall be precut so that they shall be attached to the framing surrounding the opening containing the product with the glazed opening. Panels shall be predrilled as required for the anchorage method and shall be secured with the attachment hardware provided and anchors permanently installed on the Building. Attachment in accordance with Table R301.2.1.2 of this code, with corrosion-resistant attachment hardware provided and anchors permanently installed on the Building is permitted for Buildings with a mean roof height of 33 feet (10,058 mm) or less where effective ultimate design wind speeds, Veff- ult do not exceed 175 mph (78 m/s).
2. Glazing in accessory structures to the single-Family dwelling to include but not limited to greenhouses and minor storage sheds.
3. Partially enclosed Occupancy R-3 Buildings shall be permitted to be designed without wind-borne debris protection. Partially enclosed and open
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-10: Supplement 10, 12-2025 Ordinance No. 25-40 through Ordinance No. 25-56).
Full Breakdown
The Revised Ordinances of Honolulu adopt the Hawaii State Residential Code with local amendments. Amendment (24) rewrites Section R301.2.1.2 to require that windows in buildings located in windborne debris regions have glazed openings protected from windborne debris, tested to ASTM E 1996 and E 1886. A common compliance path lets homeowners use 7/16-inch wood structural panels, precut and predrilled, fastened per Table R301.2.1.2, on one- and two-story Group R-3 or R-4 buildings up to 33 feet in mean roof height where design wind speeds don't exceed 175 mph.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliant openings are a building code violation under ROH Chapter 16; enforcement and penalties follow ROH Chapter 16, Article 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use plywood shutters instead of impact glass in Honolulu?
Does this rule apply outside Honolulu's urban core?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Honolulu County
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