Kaneohe's high rainfall makes rainwater collection practical; exterior systems up to 360 gallons need no permit, and BWS offers rain barrel rebates.
Kaneohe's average rainfall in Haiku, Ahuimanu, and upper Kahaluu can exceed 80 inches per year, making rainwater catchment highly practical for residential irrigation. Neither Honolulu ROH nor Hawaii state law restricts residential rainwater collection. Under the Hawaii Plumbing Code (2018 UPC Chapter 16), exterior catchment systems used for outdoor irrigation with storage up to 360 gallons require no permit. Larger systems or systems connected to indoor plumbing need a plumbing permit with backflow protection. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply runs a rain barrel rebate program, and the University of Hawaii CTAHR Rainwater Catchment Program publishes sizing and maintenance guidance suitable for windward Oahu.
Unpermitted plumbing connections or cross-connections to the potable supply can trigger BWS enforcement; exterior-only catchment systems are not regulated.
Kaneohe, HI
Residential pool barriers in Kaneohe must meet ROH Sec. 16-6.2, which requires enclosures, self-closing gates, and opening limits to protect children. Compli...
Kaneohe, HI
Kaneohe's rolling terrain makes ROH Sec. 21-4.40 retaining wall rules especially relevant. Fill-retention walls in required yards cannot exceed 6 feet, and t...
Kaneohe, HI
Kaneohe fence materials are defined under ROH Sec. 21-4.60, recognizing wrought iron, wire, wood, vinyl, plastic, and masonry. The high-rainfall windward cli...
Kaneohe, HI
Kaneohe neighbor fence disputes are governed by ROH Sec. 21-4.30 yard rules. Honolulu has no spite-fence ordinance, so disputes outside code violations are h...
Kaneohe, HI
Public parks in Kaneohe are closed during posted night hours under ROH Sec. 10-1.2, with narrow exceptions for shoreline access through beach parks.
Kaneohe, HI
Kaneohe follows the state juvenile curfew under HRS Sec. 577-16 barring children under 16 from public places between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. without a parent or g...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Honolulu County.
See how other cities in Honolulu County handle rainwater harvesting.
See how Kaneohe's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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